Massive Party Speakeasy
April 8, 2010

The Art Gallery of Ontario held its sixth annual Massive Party on April 8, 2010 at its beautiful new site in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This exciting art party was hosted by co-chairs Gillian Hewitt Smith and Dan McClure - it was an evening of dancing, music, wine, beer & cocktails, hedonistic hors d'oeuvres and provocative artists' projects. Toronto artist Bruno Billio transformed the AGO into a gritty, urban streetscape. The event was a contemporary take on the days of prohibition, where covert clubs would skulk in the shadows - only accessible with a secret password. The speakeasy theme was implemented through art instillations and performances by local artists Dean Baldwin, Janis Demkiw, Diane Borsato, Jon Sasaki and Laurel Woodcock. Toronto based DJ M (electronic funk, west coast house, retro and r&b), Monsieur Cedric (eclectic, uplifting and soulful house), Tanika Charles and Deejay L'Oquenzboth moved this predominantly young crowd. AGO's executive chef Anne Yarymowich served excellent d'oeuvres such as mini grilled cheese sandwiches, truffled popcorn, vegetarian sprint rolls and famous French fry cups.

About the Massive Party

Massive Party is the AGO’s annual fundraiser inviting the young and the young at heart to experience a high-energy evening amidst installations and performances by contemporary artists. The Massive Party's goal was to raise over $100,000 in support of AGO's exhibitions and education programs. Art supporters that TorontoArtsandEvents spoke to at the event were pleased with the open bar and happy to support contemporary art in such a great setting.

Massive Party was a huge success with the crowd estimated at 1,800 and all proceeds from it went to support exhibitions and education programming at the AGO. The cost of tickets was only $125 and included an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, music, performances, entertainment, and fine art experiences! For interesting contemporary art, interesting people and a great party, mark your calendar for next year's Massive Party!

Photographs by G.C. Eyre & Article by C. Smith © 2010 All Rights Reserved