CANCELLED: Johnston Heights Art Fair May 10-11 raising money for food program
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Johnston Heights Art Fair has been cancelled.
A well-known Vancouver philanthropist is hosting an art fair at Johnston Heights Secondary next Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, to raise money for the school’s food program.
David McCann, a longtime donor to the Vancouver Sun Adopt-A-School program, is selling pieces of his art collection, with the proceeds being split between Adopt-A-School and the Johnston Heights food program. The program nourishes students within the community by offering wholesome meals not only during school hours but also over weekends and school breaks.
“We were very excited when he reached out to us and said he wanted to bring this event to Surrey,” said Vanessa Seco, manager of Major Gifts and Endowments with the Office of Advancement. “David has hosted several events featuring this art and remains steadfast in his support of addressing food insecurity in the community. He is on a mission to raise a million dollars towards this cause.””
In Vancouver, McCann has held art fairs at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary and John Oliver Secondary to raise money for similar food programs in the Vancouver School District. McCann has a sizeable art collection that he’s gathered over the years, and Seco said he sells many affordable pieces at art fairs to support his personal goal of eradicating food insecurity for students and children.
Additionally, the art fairs offer opportunities for students to give back through volunteering their time and helping their community.
“The student involvement gives them ownership of the event by giving back to their school community,” said Seco, noting about 30 students are helping organize the Johnston Heights art fair.
Dozens of prints of all sizes will be on display in the school gym, including nature scenes, abstract pieces, cultural prints and artwork on canvas. Prices range from $5 to around $20, making them very affordable for anyone looking to incorporate art into their home.
Ultimately, the focus of the fair is to support the food program, and Seco said the district is extremely grateful for McCann’s support in ensuring students aren’t without food in Surrey.
“We recognize there’s food insecurity within our school communities, and our ability to address this challenge is made possible through the unwavering support of our incredible donors,” she said. “An event like this is super exciting for the school community and we invite everyone to attend.”
The art fair at Johnston Heights Secondary (15350 99 Ave.) runs Friday, May 10, from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
