Major art auction returns to Vancouver with free public exhibition

Arts Umbrella’s Splash charity art auction will return to Vancouver on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Ahead of the gala, the public can view the Splash 2026 Art Collection for free at the Pendulum Gallery and place early bids online.

About 100 works are on display at the gallery, located at 885 W. Georgia St. The public preview features pieces donated by established and emerging Canadian and international artists, including multidisciplinary artist Andrew Dadson, contemporary photographer Edward Burtynsky and Paris- and Vancouver-based sculptor Marie Khouri.

Arts Umbrella president and CEO Paul Larocque said Splash has, for more than four decades, celebrated the generosity of Canada’s artistic community while helping young people access arts education. He said the exhibition lets the public experience the collection and that each bid supports the next generation.

Founded in Vancouver in 1979, Arts Umbrella is a not-for-profit charitable organization focused on arts education for children and youth. It serves about 20,000 young people annually, with nearly 80 per cent accessing programming at no cost because of donor support. The organization also said nearly 75 per cent of its students access programming at no cost, and that auction proceeds will fund its multidisciplinary arts education programs.

The 44th gala will be hosted by Fred Lee and Gloria Macarenko. It will include a reception and dinner, performances by the Arts Umbrella Dance Company and the Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Troupe, and a live auction led by Hank Bull. Tickets are sold out, though a waitlist is available online; supporters without tickets can watch an online livestream.

The free preview exhibition runs from Tuesday, Sept. 8 to Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, except Sundays and statutory holidays. The Pendulum Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free and walk-ins are welcome. The gala will take place at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St.