Photo by Wade Muir.
at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Doors at 6:30pm
Auction starts at 7:30pm
ARTATTACK! is one of Toronto’s best-loved and most outrageous art auctions. The night offers art aficionados and novices alike an exclusive chance to scoop up work by over 50 visual artists and enjoy an unforgettable night full of surprises. Live auction curation by ArtAttack! Coordinator and Lead Curator, Bill Clarke and our four guest curators- Steven Beckly, Alex Bowron, Craig D’arville, and Katlin Rogers, plus a treasure trove of art in the tuck shop, all available at $150 or less. Hosted by Ava Val.
All proceeds from ArtAttack! support the programming at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Now in its 47th season, Buddies is the world’s largest and longest-running queer theatre. Established in 1979, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is Toronto’s leading destination for artistically rigorous alternative theatre and a world leader in developing queer voices and stories for the stage. Buddies offers a year-round program that includes a full season of queer theatre, new works festivals, artist residencies, and intergenerational training and education initiatives. In its 46-year history Buddies has welcomed over one million people into its home in the heart of Toronto’s queer village and has premiered over 1,000 new works for the stage
Early bird tickets are available at $55 until October 23.
After October 23, tickets can be purchased for $70.
Can’t make it to the event but still want to place a bid?
Contact aidan@buddiesinbadtimes.com to fill out an absentee bidder form.
HOW IT WORKS
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When you buy a ticket to the auction, you’ll be e-mailed a link to pre-register for your paddle. This’ll save you time at the door, and let you get to the art faster! With your paddle, you can bid on any lot in our live and silent auctions. Spend less time in the checkout line by authorizing the purchase of your items to either your Visa or MasterCard when you register and items successfully bid on can be immediately purchased. All you have to do is pick them up at the end of the evening! You can also register for a paddle at the event itself.
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You can bid on items in the silent auction as often as you like using the same bidder number you use for the live auction. The highest bid received by our staff at the time of closing wins - winning bids will be posted on the boards within 10 minutes of the silent auction closing.
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All items are available for purchase at set prices (max $100), which are listed in the catalogue and on display. Items can be purchased by card. You will also find multiples from previous years.
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You can pick up and pay for your items any time throughout the evening. Buddies accepts Visa, MasterCard, debit, and cash.
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You can pick up and pay for your items any time throughout the evening. Buddies accepts Visa, MasterCard, debit, and cash.
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If the final purchase price of an item in the live auction is equal to or greater than 120% of the posted estimated value, the purchaser will be issued a charitable tax receipt for the difference between the estimate and the selling price.
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Each lot contains an estimated value obtained from sources the ArtAttack steering committee believes to be reliable, but no representation or warranty as to the actual resale value is made or implied. Estimate values include value of framing, where applicable. All sales are final. No purchase can be returned, refunded, or exchanged. All items are sold as is, as exhibited. Buddies reserves the right to share the contact information of successful bidders with the artists whose work they have purchased.
Your HOST:
AVA VAl
Ava Val is a John Candy Award-winning comedian who's featured multiple times across CBC, CTV, OutTV, Crave, Just For Laughs, and Halifax and Winnipeg Comedy Festivals, in addition to writing on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and featuring on Roast Battle Canada and Canada's Got Talent.
With an untethered & energetic rockstar presence and an irrepressibly plucky outlook on life as a trans woman, Ava's unique act continues to add to her reputation as one of the best comedians in Canada.
Your AUCTIONEER: FRANCES FRIPP
One of Canada’s top fundraising auctioneers, Frances Fripp has helped raise over $10 million in vital funds for organizations nationwide. Supporting causes that change lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. In a male dominated industry, she has built a record-breaking career with her engaging, entertaining style and a dedicated team trained in the art of fundraising. A Grand Champion Auctioneer, Frances brings unmatched energy and heart to every stage. She is passionate about partnering with organizations to inspire generosity, celebrate their missions, and ensure they have the resources needed to thrive, while balancing life as a proud mom of two boys.
