OFF THE HOOK: Silent Art Auction 2026

Photo: Jennifer Klementti Photography

OFF THE HOOK: Silent Art Auction 2026
MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie

Auction Night
Friday, November 13, 2026
6:30 – 10:00pm | Bidding starts at 7:00pm
Buy Tickets

Public Preview
November 7 – 13, 2026

The MacLaren Art Centre is excited to present the 34th Annual OFF THE HOOK Silent Art Auction, happening on Friday, November 13, at 37 Mulcaster Street in downtown Barrie.

This highly anticipated fundraiser gathers collectors, art lovers, and community supporters for a vibrant evening of bidding on a selection of contemporary art. A wide range of artworks created in diverse styles and media have been generously donated by celebrated artists. Bids support the MacLaren’s artistic programs and the contributing artists. It’s your chance to take home original artwork while championing culture and creativity in our region.

Get a sneak peek at must-have pieces and plan your bids in advance with our online catalogue which is updated regularly as Auction night approaches. Each artwork was selected through an adjudication process, resulting in a thoughtfully curated collection. Our popular sculpture gallery is back for 2026, and our Buy it Now program returns: pay full price for a piece during our preview week to secure it for your collection!

Tickets are $75, and can be purchased on the MacLaren’s webpage, in-person, or over the phone. Tickets are expected to sell out, so secure yours today before it’s too late.

Image credits (clockwise from top left): Matt Bahen, Siege Perilous, 2019, oil on canvas, 24 x 24 in; Brian Rideout, Lovell Health House, 2023, pigment ink on cotton rag paper, ed. AP 1, 23 x 20 in; Kate Wilson, Night Botanicals, 2026, watercolour on paper, 12 x 9 in; Hannah Doucet, Show me where it hurts, 2026, inkjet print, 24 x 18 in; Ron Siu, Forever Adam, 2021, monotype, ed. 1 of 1, 13.75 x 20.6 in; Lan Florence Yee, A Legacy of Botany I, 2024, oil on canvas, 18 x 24 in; Michael Thompson, Point, 2025, oil on canvas, 6 x 36 in; Frances Thomas, Thoughts of Entanglements, 2026, acrylic on wood panel, 40 x 40 in; Marlene Hilton Moore, Cracking Under Pressure, 2008, fiberglass, 40 x 10 in.

Featured Artists Include:

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 sweet treats from Palette Café and Provisions.

The MacLaren gratefully acknowledges Barriston Law for their generous event sponsorship.

About the MacLaren Art Centre

The MacLaren Art Centre is the major public art gallery in Central Ontario serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and surrounding area. The Gallery has a significant permanent collection of contemporary Canadian art and presents a year-round programme of exhibitions, education activities, and special events.

The MacLaren is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The local bands consist of the Chippewa Tri-Council, who are made up of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Rama First Nation. The Gallery also like to acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century.

As a registered charity, the MacLaren relies on public and private support for its operations and programs. The MacLaren gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of its Members, Patrons, Donors, Sponsors, Partners, the City of Barrie, the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Canada Council for the Arts, and Canadian Heritage.

MacLaren Art Centre
37 Mulcaster Street
Barrie, ON L4M 3M2
T: 705-721-9696
www.maclarenart.com

Gallery Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue, Wed, Fri–Sun: 10am – 4pm
Thu: 10am – 8pm
Wheelchair accessible