he Fluvarium has a little “breathing space” now that a painting by the late Mary Pratt fetched $13,000 at auction in Toronto last night.

Chairman Emeritus with the Fluvarium, John Perlin is crediting local media coverage of the story for helping to create more interest in the piece.

He says they’re delighted that the piece achieved more than the estimated top price of $12,000.

The Fluvarium auctioned off “Bonfire” by Mary Pratt to help fill some of the gap left when Suncor pulled its corporate sponsorship. The money will go to maintaining the facility’s educational programs.

Consignor Fine Art waived its commission on the piece.

View information on ‘Bonfire’ at Consignor’s website.