An orca surfaces in deep blue water, spraying a mist of water from its blowhole.
Raincoast Conservation Foundation

Hosted by

Raincoast Conservation Foundation

About this event

RAINCOAST OCEAN SCIENCE AWARDS 2026 Silent Auction


Mathias Horne Original Painting
$5,500

Starting bid

This striking original acrylic painting by artist Mathias Horne features a Spirit Bear depicted at approximately life-size scale. Measuring 40 × 60 inches, the piece is the result of a special collaboration between Mathias Horne, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and marine biologist and wildlife photographer Florent Nicolas, whose photograph inspired the artwork.


The Spirit Bear was chosen for its deep connection to the BC coast and its representation of the remarkable wildlife and ecosystems Raincoast works to protect. This one-of-a-kind piece celebrates the beauty of the coast and the importance of safeguarding its lands, waters, and wildlife.


Artist Statement:


With this painting, I wanted to give viewers a sense of what it feels like to be face to face with a Spirit Bear. The bear is painted at approximately life-size scale, and its pose, the composition and the light were all chosen to create a real sense of presence. The work is based on a photograph by Florent Nicolas. My hope is that by recreating an encounter like this through art, viewers feel a deeper sense of connection and are inspired to help protect this keystone species and our British Columbia coast.


Artwork details:

  • 40 × 60 inches, approximately life size scale
  • Acrylic on canvas

Total value $10,500


Artist Bio:


Horne paints to create an encounter with a species, something felt before it's explained. Working in large-scale acrylic portraiture from a studio in Squamish, British Columbia, he uses scale and realism to bring a subject into the room with the viewer, sometimes stripping backgrounds away entirely so nothing stands between the two. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the United Nations Headquarters, UN COP15, and the International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5). Through every portrait, collaborations with photographers, scientists, lawyers, and conservation organizations ground each painting in behavioural accuracy and scientific understanding. 

Artwork evokes connection. Connection inspires action.

ANIÁN Winter Prize Pack
$120

Starting bid

Get cozy this winter with a thoughtfully curated prize pack from ANIÁN, a proudly Canadian brand known for its commitment to slow fashion and sustainable design.


Package includes:

  • Melton Wool Blanket (Pinecrest)
  • Recycled Cashmere Toque (Light Charcoal)
  • Classic Wool Camp Socks (size L)

ANIÁN transforms post-consumer textiles into quality garments and goods designed for life in the city, the country, and the wild.


Total value $220

West Coast Brunch for Two at Heartwood Kitchen – Ucluelet
$35

Starting bid

Enjoy a delicious West Coast brunch for two at Heartwood Kitchen, a beloved Ucluelet restaurant recently featured by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's 12 most beloved restaurants in 2026!


Located in the heart of Ucluelet, this charming restaurant is housed in a historic home where every corner invites guests to gather, relax, and connect. Treat yourself to a memorable brunch featuring fresh, thoughtfully prepared food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.


Package includes:

  • One brunch entrée per person
  • Coffee or tea per person

Location: Ucluelet, BC

Expiry: November 30, 2027

'Because Air is Less Dense' by Natasha van Netten
$30

Starting bid

This print by artist Natasha van Netten, called 'Because Air is Less Dense', features several orcas at various stages of leaping out of the water (breaching). Researchers aren't completely sure why whales breach, but one theory is that they do so because air is less dense than water — which inspired the title of this painting. 


The original artwork is a gouache painting, capturing the energy and movement of these remarkable animals.


Print Details:

  • 11" x 14"
  • Printed on 100% recycled post-consumer waste (PCW) heavy paper

Total value $40

'Bloom I' by Natasha van Netten
$30

Starting bid

This print by artist Natasha van Netten, called Bloom I, features a swarm of humpback whales drawn as though they are bursting forward. The artwork focuses on the recent growth of the humpback population within the Pacific Northwest. 


The original drawing was created using black and brown ink and a dip pen. It was inspired by traditional zoological illustrations, but created with a contemporary spin.


Print Details:

  • 11" x 14"
  • Printed on 100% recycled post-consumer waste (PCW) heavy paper

Total value $40

One-Night Stay at Oak Bay Beach Hotel
$275

Starting bid

A luxury seaside escape at the beautiful Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC.


Enjoy a one-night stay in a luxurious guest room overlooking the Pacific Ocean, complete with:

  • Breakfast for two guests
  • Exclusive access to the heated seaside mineral pools, sauna, and fitness studio
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and underground parking

Nestled along the shores of the Salish Sea, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers a quintessential West Coast escape, with breathtaking ocean views, exceptional hospitality, and the charming shops and galleries of Oak Bay Village just steps away.


Certificate Details & Restrictions:

  • Valid November 26, 2026 – November 25, 2027.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Blackout dates: May 1 – September 30, 2027; statutory holidays; long weekends; New Year's Eve; Valentine's Day; and Mother's Day.

Total value $500 plus tax

Arc'teryx Outdoor Prize Pack
$210

Starting bid

Get ready for your next mountain adventure with this Arc’teryx gear bundle, featuring practical, high-performance essentials for hiking, trekking and exploring the outdoors.


Prize pack includes:

  • Aerios 35 Backpack – Nucleus: A versatile 35L trekking pack. Features an adjustable, customizable fit, breathable back panel, roll-top closure with expandable capacity, multiple storage pockets and durable, lightweight materials to keep you comfortable and organized on the trail.
  • Bird Head Toque – Black Sapphire / Alpine: A warm, comfortable classic logo toque made with RWS-certified wool and recycled polyester. Breathable, lightly insulated and easy to pack for warmth wherever you go.
  • ReCUT Stuff Sack: A compressive 9L stuff sack from Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD™ program, made using fabric scraps to give leftover technical materials a second life. Each one is unique.

A great collection of technical outdoor essentials from Arc’teryx, ready to accompany you on your next adventure!


Total value $440

Arc'teryx Outdoor Prize Pack
$210

Starting bid

Get ready for your next mountain adventure with this Arc’teryx gear bundle, featuring practical, high-performance essentials for hiking, trekking and exploring the outdoors.


Prize pack includes:

  • Aerios 35 Backpack – Nucleus: A versatile 35L trekking pack. Features an adjustable, customizable fit, breathable back panel, roll-top closure with expandable capacity, multiple storage pockets and durable, lightweight materials to keep you comfortable and organized on the trail.
  • Bird Head Toque – Black Sapphire / Alpine: A warm, comfortable classic logo toque made with RWS-certified wool and recycled polyester. Breathable, lightly insulated and easy to pack for warmth wherever you go.
  • ReCUT Stuff Sack: A compressive stuff sack from Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD™ program, made using fabric scraps to give leftover technical materials a second life. Perfect for packing down jackets, sleeping bags and extra layers. Each one is unique.

A great collection of technical outdoor essentials from Arc’teryx, ready to accompany you on your next adventure!


Total value $440

Tofino Surf Lesson for Two
$115

Starting bid

Enjoy a group surf lesson for two with Swell Tofino, a favourite local surf school and rental company, located within walking distance of one of Canada's best surf beaches. Experience the thrill of surfing on Vancouver Island's beautiful west coast.


Package includes:

  • Surf lesson for two people
  • All necessary surf equipment and gear

Location: Tofino, BC


Total value $210

'On the Prowl' by Sheryl Stephenson
$220

Starting bid

On the Prowl, an original wolf painting by British Columbia wildlife artist Sheryl Stephenson, founder of Wild Hues Studio.


Created using acrylic and gouache on canvas, this striking piece celebrates the intelligence, character, and beauty of one of BC's most fascinating animals.


A note from the artist:

"Some of my favourite moments are spent hiking and kayaking through the beautiful wilderness of British Columbia, the place I’m fortunate to call home. Wolves particularly fascinate me for their intelligence, close-knit family relationships and remarkable ability to communicate and cooperate. Through my art and my support of Raincoast Conservation Foundation, I hope to encourage a deeper appreciation for these extraordinary animals and help protect the wild places they call home."


About the artist:

Sheryl Stephenson is a wildlife artist based in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley and the creative force behind Wild Hues Studio. An avid hiker and kayaker, she draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the province she calls home and the incredible wildlife that inhabits it. Working primarily in gouache and acrylic, Sheryl uses bold, unexpected colours and strong shapes and lines to capture the personality and character of her animal subjects. Through her art, she hopes to inspire curiosity, connection and a deeper appreciation for the creatures with whom we share our world.


Artwork details:

  • Original acrylic and gouache on canvas
  • Dimensions: 11 x 14 inches

Total value $400

Patagonia Adventure Prize Pack
$165

Starting bid

Gear up for your next adventure with this Patagonia prize pack, featuring durable, thoughtfully designed outdoor essentials from a brand known for its commitment to environmental responsibility.


Package includes:

  • Black Hole Pack 25L (Black)
  • Limited-Edition Vancouver Oystercatcher Responsibili-Tee (XL, Black)
  • P-6 Logo Trucker Hat (Blue)

Total value $300

‘Midnight on Forest Fringe’ By Nanette Moss
$185

Starting bid

A unique piece of nature-inspired art. Midnight on Forest Fringe is an original archival cyanotype print by artist Nanette Moss.


Featuring sword fern and petals printed on delicate teabag paper, this one-of-a-kind artwork captures the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. Created through a process that brings together sunlight, water, and air, each cyanotype is entirely unique, with organic edges and beautiful variations in colour and texture.


The artwork is float-mounted in a custom natural fir frame, without glass, allowing the rich colour, texture, and fine details to be enjoyed without glare.


Artwork details:

  • Original archival cyanotype print
  • Dimensions: 22 x 15 inches
  • Custom natural fir frame

Total value $335


"Even the humblest plants impact our world and our lives. We have co-evolved with many of them. Cultures are based around them. Not only our food, clothing and shelter, but also our ancestral myths and superstitions, offerings, symbolism, and weather predictions. Our lives are intertwined with plants. As are the lives of other species in our ecosystems. Sharing ideas and information increases our potential for growth, both individually and in community. My intention is to use my art and writing as a platform for healing and connection, with plants as the unifying medium."


Admission for Two to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
$20

Starting bid

Discover the wonders of our incredible coastal backyard with admission for two to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney, BC!


This one-of-a-kind aquarium and learning centre offers an interactive, hands-on experience exploring the remarkable marine life and ecosystems of the Salish Sea. As a not-for-profit community organization, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea connects the public with the Salish Sea Bioregion and its ecosystems through fascinating underwater inhabitants to engaging educational exhibits.


Located waterfront in Sidney, on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) people.


Package includes: Two day passes to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.


Total value $41

Admission for Two to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
$20

Starting bid

Discover the wonders of our incredible coastal backyard with admission for two to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney, BC!


This one-of-a-kind aquarium and learning centre offers an interactive, hands-on experience exploring the remarkable marine life and ecosystems of the Salish Sea. As a not-for-profit community organization, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea connects the public with the Salish Sea Bioregion and its ecosystems through fascinating underwater inhabitants to engaging educational exhibits.


Located waterfront in Sidney, on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) people.


Package includes: Two day passes to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.


Total value $41

Admission for Two to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
$20

Starting bid

Discover the wonders of our incredible coastal backyard with admission for two to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney, BC!


This one-of-a-kind aquarium and learning centre offers an interactive, hands-on experience exploring the remarkable marine life and ecosystems of the Salish Sea. As a not-for-profit community organization, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea connects the public with the Salish Sea Bioregion and its ecosystems through fascinating underwater inhabitants to engaging educational exhibits.


Located waterfront in Sidney, on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) people.


Package includes: Two day passes to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.


Total value $41

Grouse Mountain Adventure for Two
$95

Starting bid

Exciting escape to Grouse Mountain. Take in the incredible mountain scenery and experience the thrill of the Grouse Gravity Coaster, winding your way down the mountain on an exhilarating ride.


Package includes:

  • Two solo rides on the Grouse Gravity Coaster (one per person)
  • Mountain Admission for two

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or a day enjoying the mountain, this is a great opportunity to experience one of Vancouver's iconic attractions.


Expires: October 1, 2027


Total value $210

'Mezzo Forte' original by Natasha van Netten
$190

Starting bid

Celebrate the diversity of BC’s marine wildlife with this unique, museum-inspired shadowbox artwork by artist Natasha van Netten. Titled Mezzo Forte, the piece features intricate, hand-drawn ink illustrations of four cetacean species found along the BC coast: killer whale, harbour porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphin, and Dall’s porpoise.


Created using traditional dip-pen and ink techniques, the illustrations are proportionally scaled to highlight the difference in size between species. The artwork is professionally framed in a copper-finished wooden shadowbox, with archival silk backing and UV-filtering, anti-glare museum glass.


A beautiful celebration of the marine life that makes the BC coast so unique.


Artwork Details:

  • Drawn with traditional ink and dip pen 
  • Archival silk matboard
  • Professionally framed wooden shadowbox with copper finish and museum glass
  • Dimensions: 6.5" × 6.5" including the frame
  • Ready to hang!

Total Value $350


Market Collective Victoria
$35

Starting bid

Celebrate local creativity and craftsmanship with this gift package from Market Collective Victoria!


Market Collective brings together more than 200 talented artisans and small businesses, offering a unique collection of handmade goods that celebrate creativity, community, and Canadian craft.


Package includes:

  • Jasmine and cedarwood scented candle (30–40 hour burn time)
  • Greeting cards
  • $30 Market Collective Victoria gift card

A lovely opportunity to shop local, discover something new, and support independent makers.


Total value $72


Raincoast Prize Pack
$225

Starting bid

Celebrate the wild beauty of BC's coast with this exclusive Raincoast Conservation Foundation prize pack! Featuring locally inspired artwork, limited-edition merchandise, and cozy West Coast essentials, this collection is a wonderful way to show your love for the lands, waters, and wildlife we work to protect.


Package includes:

  • Killer Whale Active Hat (Sage) – A lightweight, relaxed-fit five-panel hat with mesh backing, made in Canada and featuring original artwork by local BC artist Art by Di
  • Two ANIÁN recycled wool and cashmere Raincoast toques (Navy)
  • Khutze Estuary – Exclusive 12" x 18" fine-art photographic print by Andrew S. Wright
  • Witness – Exclusive 12" x 18" fine-art photographic print by Tavish Campbell
  • Art for an Oil Free Coast: Canada's Raincoast at Risk – A powerful collection of artwork donated by more than 50 Canadian artists, including celebrated First Nations artists, in support of protecting Canada's fragile coast. The campaign helped build momentum against the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, which was ultimately rejected in 2016.
  • Limited-Edition Raincoast Canvas Tote Bag

Total value $409

Arc'teryx Toque
$40

Starting bid

Stay warm on your next outdoor adventure with this classic Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque. Designed for everyday comfort and warmth, it features a breathable, lightly insulated construction made with a blend of wool and recycled polyester. The soft brushed polyester band adds an extra layer of comfort, while the easy-to-pack design makes it a great companion for life outdoors.


Made with sustainability in mind, the toque incorporates recycled materials and responsibly sourced wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).


A timeless outdoor essential from Arc’teryx.


Total value $80

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