SHAUNAVON — A Winter Artist Exhibition has decked the walls at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre. More than 30 local artists and creators are represented in a wide variety of media including paintings, pottery, photographs, jewelry, wood-carved pieces, hand-woven baskets, books, music and more.
In previous years, the exhibition has been advertised as an artist sale. This year, artists were given the option to sell or to simply just exhibit their work. Program Co-ordinator Tammy Willman says, “This new approach has attracted four new artists whose works are for exhibition only, not for sale. We’re excited to have these artists displaying with us. We also have ten new artists who have pieces available for purchase, along with many returning artists. A total of 36 artists are featured from the area including Shaunavon, Eastend, Frontier, Simmie and Alberta.”
School tours will have the opportunity to view the artwork throughout the Christmas season and will create their own work of art. Willman leads the tours and explains, "Students will learn about various art mediums, and art composition and they will be able to share what their favourite pieces are. There are books and music as part of the show, so we can emphasize that these are artistic mediums too, just like clay or paintings.”
Kendra Fahselt of Stay Gold Creative Company is a first-time participant in the exhibition with her clay pieces. She explains why it was a good opportunity for her, saying "I've always been a crafty person. I love making things! But, when I started doing pottery I quickly realized it couldn't just be a hobby. It was too expensive and I was running out of room for my creations. This led to me starting a little business for fun! It's intimidating, putting yourself out there, trying to get noticed and get followers. I didn't feel quite ready to sign up for a big craft trade show. When I saw the poster for the Grand Coteau's winter artist exhibit I thought it would be the perfect transition. I've enjoyed the exhibit myself in previous years. It is really well done and I know it attracts people from all around the southwest. I thought I could get my name out there and maybe sell a couple of things but not have the pressure of selling things in person and worrying about making enough to recoup a booth fee or having enough stock. I'm pretty excited to see how it goes!”
Items on display that are available for purchase are cash and carry with artists receiving 100 per cent of the selling price. Town of Shaunavon merchandise and a collection of children’s and adult’s books and CDs by local musicians are also available.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for viewing the exhibition and will also be open the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 7 during Boomtown Christmas events. Exhibiting artists have been invited to be in attendance on the afternoon of Dec. 7 so visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists in person. The show runs until Dec. 19.
