Art Meets Action: Tanya Bub’s Wild Art for the Big of Heart Transforms Creativity into Community Impact

VTRA
16 hours ago
3 min read

This May, Victoria artist Tanya Bub invites the public to experience a powerful fusion of art, storytelling, and activism with her latest exhibition, Wild Art for the Big of Heart.

Running May 12–31, 2026, this ambitious sculpture show celebrates ten local charities while directly supporting their work: 25% of any Tanya Bub artwork purchase will be donated to a participating charity of the buyer’s choice, transforming each piece into a vehicle for change.

The exhibition features dozens of sculptural works created from driftwood, wire, and paper, with prices ranging from $30 to $8,000. At its heart are ten signature pieces—each inspired by a participating charity—designed as entry points into the stories, people, and impact behind their work.

Art as Storytelling, Art as Impact

Known for her imaginative sculptures made from reclaimed materials, Bub explores themes of transformation, connection, and shared humanity. Her work—often depicting animals and human figures—acts as a form of storytelling, translating complex social issues into something immediate, emotional, and accessible.

“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.”

Ten Charities, Ten Stories

The exhibition spans 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. All of them are powerful and moving in their own way.”

Participating organizations 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

During gallery visits people are invited to learn more about each organization and, if inspired, register to volunteer or contribute directly to a favorite cause.

Three Weeks of Events and Engagement

More than an exhibition, Wild Art for the Big of Heart is a three-week-long community experience, featuring talks, performances, hands-on activities, and interactive events designed to deepen understanding and connection.

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

May 14 (5–8 PM): Opening Reception
May 15 & 22: Meet Mustard Seed
May 19: The Thinking Garden Talk & Film Screening
May 20: Elder Carl Olsen — Goldstream / SELE₭TEȽ Watershed Talk
May 21 & 28: Georgia Strait Alliance Ocean Week Events
May 23: Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association Activities
May 24: “Pawprint Art for Dogs” with Broken Promises
May 26: Voices in Motion Concert

Special invitational events include a Tourism Victoria mixer, a CNIB tactile tour for the sight loss community, and a Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association donor appreciation evening.

Ongoing throughout the exhibition, visitors of all ages can also take part in community painting and driftwood sculpture activities.

For more information about the show events visit the exhibit information page:https://tanyabub.myportfolio.com/upcoming-shows

An Invitation to Participate

With free admission and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, Wild Art for the Big of Heart invites visitors to experience art not just as something to observe, but as a way to connect, learn, and take action.

The artist will be present throughout the exhibition and welcomes the public to engage with her directly about her process, materials, and the stories behind the work.

Bub's hope is that by inviting visitors to select the cause that receives 25% of the purchase price, they become engaged in learning more about the various initiatives and actively join in supporting local change-makers.

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