MacLaren Art Centre gala raises $100K for children, community programs

Attendees at the 2026 MacLaren Art Centre (MAC) Gala included: Cole Burke (L), Jacklyn Tuckey Burke, Jennifer Craddock, Peter Duguay, MAC Gala committee member Nicole Cook, and Jeff Cook. April 27, 2026. PHOTO: Max Power Photography.

A ruby-red black-tie event for charity was held at the MacLaren Art Centre Saturday.

MacLaren Art Centre’s Black-Tie Gala raised $100,000 in support of the gallery’s children’s programs and community outreach initiatives.

This year’s Paint the Night Red theme, honoured 40 years of creativity in the community.

The organization’s ruby anniversary made for a rich, radiant night for guests to enjoy and celebrate all things art. Tickets were sold out two months before the event.

The MAC Gala highlights included:

Special Guest: This year, the Gala welcomed Arkells lead singer Max Kerman who shared insights and stories from his new book, ‘Try Hard: Creative Work in Progres’ and treated the crowd to a few well-known Arkells songs. Guests went home with a signed copy of Kerman’s book

Gourmet Dining Experience: Attendees indulged in a delicious and specially curated three-course sit-down dinner by Eclectic Café and Catering.

Live Music: Harpist Britt-Lynn Winch performed during the cocktail hour, as guests enjoyed ruby-red Kir Royal cocktails, the signature drink of the evening.

Door Prize by Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery: Roses with numbers from 1-to-250 were available for purchase, giving guests the opportunity to win a $3,000 custom piece of jewellery from Michael Smiley Fine Jewellery.

Live Auction: Hosted by CTV’s own Sarah Freemark and Mike Potter of AllStar Auctions, the Gala’s live auction featured enticing packages with exclusive experiences such as a premium Arkells concert experience, a two-night stay at Touchstone Resort in Muskoka, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Global Textiles Department at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Musical Delights: DJ Smolka set the perfect tone for the evening, keeping the energy high and the dance floor alive with an eclectic mix of beats.

New this year: After Party at Bayside Variety where guests continued the festivities just down the street.