Photo credit: Taylor Grigg Co.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Barrie, ON) The MacLaren Art Centre is excited to present the 33rd Annual OFF THE HOOK Silent Art Auction, happening on Friday, November 14, at 37 Mulcaster Street in downtown Barrie.
This highly anticipated fundraising event gathers collectors, art lovers, and community supporters for a vibrant evening of bidding on a curated selection of contemporary artworks. With 70+ works generously donated by celebrated artists, there’s something for every taste and budget. Best of all, your bids support the MacLaren’s artistic programs and the contributing artists.
Tickets are $75, and can be purchased on the MacLaren’s webpage, in-person or over the phone. Tickets are expected to sell out – secure yours today before it’s too late.
Guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere, mingle with artists and fellow art enthusiasts, and indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres by Cravings Fine Food and Kajo Food Works. Desserts generously donated by Sweet and Sassie Bake Shop, Cakes by Design, and Craig’s Cookies Barrie.
Carol-Ann Ryan, the auction’s Chair for 2025 shares, “Having participated in OFF THE HOOK since first moving to Barrie, it is my great privilege to serve as auction Chair in 2025. Living with art brings joy to our lives while creating a calm and contemplative environment. Opportunities to purchase original contemporary art are limited in our community. I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to make your first acquisition or expand an existing collection in support of a good cause. The artwork available has been carefully selected from generous donations by working artists who all believe in the value of the MacLaren and its role in Simcoe County. Please join us for the sake of art in Barrie!”
Says Artistic Director of the MacLaren, Tyler Durbano; “OFF THE HOOK has been a much-anticipated event for thirty-three wonderful years, and I’ve loved it since my first day as a volunteer on the Auction Committee in 2013. This fundraiser enables the MacLaren to offer incredible exhibitions, hands-on art programs for all ages and abilities, and community outreach initiatives, much of which is free to the public. The Auction is all excitement without pretense. It’s the kind of event where people laugh, connect, and discover artwork they can’t live without.”
Featured Artists Include:
Teresa Cullen, Gary Evans, Ted Fullerton, John Hartman, Katherine Harvey, Marlene Hilton-Moore, Neda Mazhab Jafari, Collette Laberté, Kristiina Lahde, Derek Liddington, Landon Mackenzie, John McEwen, Caroline Monet, Maureen O’Connor, Jill Price, Rod Prouse, Brian Rideout, Jon Sasaki, Frances Thomas, and many more.
Visit the Public Preview November 8 to November 14, 2025 or check out the online catalogue anytime at: www.maclarenart.com/art-auction. New in 2025 ticket holders have an opportunity to Buy it Now, so you can secure your preferred artwork at full value in advance of the auction from 9 AM on November 10th to 4 PM on November 14th. Contact Development Officer, Andrea Araujo to inquire: andrea@maclarenart.com, 705-720-1044 ext. 236.
Sponsors:
Thank you to our Premium Sponsor Barriston Law for their generous support.
Thank you to the following ad sponsors: McBride Robillard Financial Solutions, Kempenfelt Bay School, Jeff’s Junk, Lawler Team, National Bank of Canada, PACART, Plumbtech Plumbing Inc, Wall-Armstrong & Green.
Thank you to our caterers, Cravings Fine Food and Kajo Food Works, for their generous contributions. Thanks to local businesses for donating sweet treats: Cakes by Design, Craig’s Cookies Barrie, and Sweet and Sassie Bake Shop.
Thank you to our photographer Jennifer Klementti for capturing the event.
Special thanks to our Media Sponsor: Rock95, KoolFM and Barrie 360.
For more information about the MacLaren Art Centre’s OFF THE HOOK Silent Art Auction, visit www.maclarenart.com/art-auction
Media Contact:
Andrea Araujo
Development Officer
MacLaren Art Centre
andrea@maclarenart.com
705-720-1044 ext. 236
