Welcome to the Oceanside Benchmark Auction!

Oceanside Benchmark, the community art project designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and unity. The project has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase local artists, local businesses, and our amazing Oceanside community.

The purpose of the welcome benches was to engage visitors and locals to explore the community and unify the region. We wanted to provide the opportunity to sit and contemplate, be at peace and perhaps even be….’Inspired by the wait’.

Artists of all ages submitted their vision of a welcome bench, and the results of their creativity were displayed throughout Oceanside and now they are available through our online Auction. Welcome to the Auction!

The proceeds of our auction will help to support the participating artists and the coordinating not for profit organizations – McMillan Arts Centre, Parksville (the MAC), The Old School House, Qualicum Beach (TOSH), Parksville & District, and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce.

Auction opens September 13 and will close at 9pm on September 18.

Ready….set…BID!

Things you may need to know:
Benches are 64 ½ inches wide and 25 inches deep
Auction Terms
- All sales are final
- No exchanges or refunds
- Payment for auction items:
Must be made by September 22, 2021.
Must be made by credit or debit card to the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, 1275 E. Island Hwy. Parksville 250-248-3613.
- Please call to make payment and arrange pick up.
- All benches are sold ‘as is’
- GST will be added to all the auction items

All photos courtesy of Andrew Collins.

The project was created, managed, and coordinated by the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce and we collaborated with the MAC Parksville and TOSH to deliver the project into the Oceanside Community. The proceeds of our auction will help to support the participating artists and the coordinating not for profit organizations – MAC Parksville, The Old School House, and both the Parksville & District, and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce.

McMillan Arts Centre - Parksville
The MAC is owned by the Oceanside Community Arts Council and started life in 1913 as a schoolhouse - one of Parksville's oldest buildings. The MAC showcases the works of 2D, 3D and performance art in three galleries as well as hosting concerts and workshops in its art studio. The MAC is home to the School for the Creative Arts and a well stocked Gift Shop.
https://mcmillanartscentre.com

The Old School House - Qualicum Beach:
TOSH is the bright yellow community arts centre with a big history nestled in the heart of the picturesque community of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. The Old School House Arts Centre houses ten shared Resident artist's studios and is an established public art gallery and art learning centre.
https://www.theoldschoolhouse.org

Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce:
We are a member-driven volunteer led organization. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization representing over 450 businesses, professionals, residents, and community groups working collaboratively to promote the economic and social prosperity of Parksville and district.
https://www.parksvillechamber.com

Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce:
Our goal is to work collaboratively to promote the economic and social prosperity for the town of Qualicum Beach and surrounding area. As the voice of business, the Chambers mission is achieved through the hard work and dedication of our members, our board and our staff.
https://qualicum.bc.ca

‘To unify, connect and inspire creativity in our community.'