Renowned Victoria artist hosts exhibition with proceeds going to 10 local charities

This spring, renowned local artist and philanthropist Tanya Bub is putting on a new exhibition in Victoria that will raise money for 10 different charities. 

Bub describes her latest exhibition, Wild Art for the Big of Heart, as a powerful fusion of art, storytelling and activism, with 25% of all her sales going to the charity of the buyers’ choice.  

The show will run from May 12th to 31st at the Gage Gallery in Victoria’s Bastion Square. 

Wild Art for the Big of Heart will feature dozens of sculptural works created from driftwood, wire and paper, with prices ranging from $30 to $8,000. 

Bub says that for this show she has crafted 10 signature pieces, with each one being inspired by one of the participating charities. 

“I usually focus on a single charity, but I was blown away by what’s happening in Victoria and couldn’t just pick one,” says Bub.

“This show celebrates 10 organizations helping people, animals, and the environment—and I hope visitors leave feeling inspired and empowered.”

Bub’s sculptures are all made from reclaimed materials, and are driven by themes of transformation, connection and shared humanity. 

Each piece is meant to tell a story of complex social issues and inspire people to help their community where they can. 

The charities Bub chose to showcase and aid span a wide range of causes, including food security, environmental stewardship, mental health, accessibility, Indigenous knowledge, animal welfare and social support.

“I chose lesser-known Victoria charities doing incredible work—some driven by a handful of volunteers, others changing thousands of lives every day,” explained Bub. 

“All of them are powerful and moving in their own way.”

The charities partnering with Bub include:

• Broken Promises Rescue
• Elder Carl Olsen — Goldstream / SELE₭TEȽ Watershed 
• CNIB Victoria
• Georgia Strait Alliance 
• Mustard Seed
• Rainbow Haven
• Soap for Hope
• The Thinking Garden
• Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
• Voices in Motion

While visiting the gallery and exploring Bub’s work, people will also have the unique opportunity to learn more about each organization. If inspired, Bub will have resources on hand to allow people to register to volunteer or contribute directly to a favorite cause.

In addition to being an exhibition for 10 local causes, Wild Art for the Big of Heart will also include three weeks of special opportunities, featuring talks, performances, hands-on activities and interactive events in partnership with the participating charities. 

All events are open to the public and free or by donation. 

See the events below:

• May 14th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – opening reception
• May 15th and  22nd – meet Mustard Seed
• May 19th – The Thinking Garden Talk and film screening
• May 20th – Elder Carl Olsen — Goldstream / SELE₭TEȽ Watershed Talk
• May 21st and 28th – Georgia Strait Alliance Ocean Week events
• May 23rd – Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association activities
• May 24th – “Pawprint Art for Dogs” with Broken Promises
• May 26th – Voices in Motion Concert

Bub says she hopes that by inviting visitors to select the cause that receives 25% of the purchase price, they will learn more about the many initiatives and actively join in supporting local change-makers.

“Come to be moved. Come to be inspired,” she said, “And maybe even leave as part of a community that is making the world a better place.”

Wild Art for the Big of Heart

• When: May 12th to 31st
  Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
  Admission: Free and family friendly