39th annual Art Auction raises more than $5,000 for Peace Gallery North, future creative hub

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Flying Colours Artists’ Association raised more than $5,000 at this year’s 39th annual Fort St. John Art Auction.

The art auction took place on March 8th at the Northern Grand Hotel. Sandy Troudt, a member of the association and one of the event’s organizers, said her team was “very pleased” and described the steampunk-themed evening as a success.

“Lots of attendees joined in the fun and arrived in costume, adding to the liveliness of the evening,” Troudt said. “Thirty-nine lovely works of art were on offer, donated by area artists, and [they] generated funds that helped us meet our fundraising goals.”

Association president Karin Kroecher went into more detail, saying 150 tickets were sold for the auction.

“We are happy to report that $5,000 [raised at the event] will be donated to Peace Gallery North,” Kroecher said. 

“The remainder of the funds, after expenses, will be held in trust by the FSJ Community Arts Council toward our dream of a future Creative Hub.” 

Kroecher wasn’t able to share how much money would be held in trust.

Details have also been announced for next year’s art auction, set to be the 40th anniversary of the event.

“Next year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at the [Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre],” Kroecher added. “The decorating theme of the event and volunteer costumes will be the ‘roaring 1920s.’”

A countdown to next year’s auction, showcasing various artists whose material will be up for purchase at the event, will take place over the coming months on the Flying Colours Artists’ Association Facebook page.