Renowned Victoria artist and philanthropist Tanya Bub is presenting a new exhibition titled "Wild Art for the Big of Heart" at the Gage Gallery in Victoria’s Bastion Square from May 12th to 31st. The show features dozens of sculptural works made from driftwood, wire, and paper, with prices ranging from $30 to $8,000. Twenty-five percent of all sales will go to the charity of the buyer’s choice, with 10 local charities benefiting, including 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, and Voices in Motion. The exhibition also includes three weeks of talks, performances, and interactive events in partnership with the charities.
This exhibition matters because it demonstrates how visual art can serve as a direct vehicle for philanthropy and community engagement, channeling sales into food security, environmental stewardship, mental health, accessibility, Indigenous knowledge, animal welfare, and social support. By allowing buyers to choose which cause receives the donation, Bub empowers visitors to connect personally with local change-makers, potentially inspiring ongoing volunteerism and donations. The show highlights the role of artists as activists and the power of reclaimed materials to tell stories of transformation and shared humanity, reinforcing the importance of grassroots support in Victoria’s cultural and social fabric.