The first annual Artscape Extravaganza: Hall Pass treated tuxedo-clad guests to a back-to-school adventure—a party in the halls with no detention that raised $375,000 the Artscape Youngplace capital campaign. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this goal without our Hall Pass sponsors URBANCORP, THE DALTON COMPANY LTD., Alterna Savings and BMO Financial Group.

Extravaganza took advantage of the unique layout of Artscape Youngplace to create an event unlike any other this city had seen.

The place was a knockout, festooned with helium balloons and school-themed décor—oversized paper airplanes, fresh apples, pennants and trophies. Guests mingled in the halls along with a troupe of rogue actors playing the the jock, the punk, the nerd, the bad girl, the frazzled Principal and, of course, Class President.

At the sound of the bell, guests headed to their classes. The ice was broken as each group experienced three classes over the course of the evening – from dance class to paper-making to drumming – all led by professional artists.

Recess was more like a rowdy party, with mixologists and oyster shuckers working overtime to beat the clock. A pep-rally complete with a school band decked out in full regalia and professional cheerleaders kicked things into high gear on the mezzanine.

Photos by Garrison McArthur Photographers. Too see them all visit our Hall Pass Set on Flickr.