This Saturday (September 27) will be an opportunity to see what 'black tie' means to Haida Gwaii, as islanders gather at the Haida Gwaii Museum gala and art auction to celebrate the museum, culture, and art of all kinds. "The people on Haida Gwaii should be proud. This place is doing a lot of really important work. It's for everyone on these islands. It's worth celebrating," said director Scott Marsden.The excitement begins as soon as people buy a ticket, he said, because their purchase includes a one year museum membership. They're also automatically entered to win one of three door prizes donated by the museum gift shop.The gala and auction will run from 7 pm until midnight, raising money for museum programming, showcasing islanders' artwork, and capping off the islands' first Culture Days."These are hand-in-hand events, celebrating the artists of Haida Gwaii. We're hoping these will be annual events," Mr. Marsden said.Upon entry to the gala, guests will have the opportunity to socialize, admire local artwork, and taste culinary masterpieces in the form of appetizers prepared by Kay Bistro.Live and silent auctions offer people the chance to take pieces home with them. Artists purchased four-inch square blank canvasses and converted them into unique artwork to be displayed and auctioned live at the gala, said Mr. Marsden."We split the auction proceeds 50/50," he said, "That way we're supporting both the museum and the art community on Haida Gwaii."A celebration of arts and culture wouldn't be complete without music and dancing, so two DJs will be on hand to get people grooving."This is going to be fun," said Mr. Marsden, "and it's a good way to support our museum."The Haida Gwaii Museum is a grade 'A' facility, he said, which is rare for a community of just 5,000 people. It means it has incredible collections, archives, and exhibitors, and Mr. Marsden said they've only begun to scratch the surface of what this facility is capable of.With the finalization of its strategic plan, the museum will be moving forward and he's hoping the islands community will be a vibrant and connected part of that. This gala is just the beginning."We've committed to bringing in all kinds of excellent programming this year. Keep an eye on this place," he said.Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at the museum or Isabel Creek store in Queen Charlotte.