Dancing at the Renaissance Ball just before the roof caves in

Howdy!

Then there's this story published on the Macleans website from Canadian Press (in Halifax, too!) about problems and difficulties at the National Gallery of Canada. The article gives a long list of logistical problems such as a leaky roof that threatens to damage art, and disorganized storage facilities. It then goes on to point out all the cost cutting measures that have been implemented, such as reducing exhibitions and cutting staff, because of this crisis. What I find most interesting is that the National Gallery touts that it is hosting its "first-ever national fundraising event on May 28, 2005," the aforementioned Renaissance Ball, which has as its lofty goal to raise a cool $1,000,000. And what are they going to do with all that money? "The proceeds from the Ball will go toward the purchase of a work of art for the permanent collection, a work which will be featured in the Gallery’s Renaissance exhibition." Last I heard, there was not such beast as a Canadian artist from the Renaissance. Personally, I'd be happy if they just got the darn storage space organized.