Artist Peter Scott (left) is one of the well-known local artists whose work will be shown at the Festive Treasures exhibition that opens on Saturday at the Osoyoos Art Gallery. Shown here he registered his works with the help of Marge Trosky, volunteer co-ordinator at the gallery, on Monday when the show was being set up. (Richard McGuire photo)
The Festive Treasures exhibition opening on Saturday at the Osoyoos Art Gallery will be of special interest to Christmas shoppers.
The show opens on Saturday, Nov. 15 and runs until Saturday, Dec. 20. In addition to opening the regular off-season hours of noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, the show will also be open on Sunday, Dec. 14 and Monday, Dec. 15.
“We try to put things in there that would be affordable Christmas gifts,” said Sue Whittaker, a curator at the gallery. “It’s more of a casual show.”
Despite the inclusion of crafts such as crocheted Christmas tree ornaments, Whittaker emphasizes that it is not a standard craft show – submissions are adjudicated and there are also fine art pieces such as paintings and pottery.
“We don’t want it to become a craft show – it is an art gallery – but we do want it to be a little bit more inclusive,” said Whittaker. “We’re looking for instance if somebody wants to bring their grandchildren in and get something for mom and dad, or bring their kids in an get something for the grandparents – something that would hang on a tree or something that a little kid’s budget might stretch to. There will be some things that are affordable for all members of the community.”
The walls of the gallery will include paintings – watercolours, acrylics and oil – and photography. There will also be pottery, quilted gifts, jewelry, carved wood and other items.
Some of the items will be placed on a Christmas tree in the front room.
“We decorate a tree with beautiful things that people can buy off the tree,” said Whittaker. “I always buy one thing each Christmas to add to my Christmas tree and I can usually find something that I love on that tree.”
The show will feature the work of about 40 to 50 local artists, Whittaker said, adding that all are from Osoyoos and area.
Most of the top local artists are participating.
The Festive Treasures exhibition is an annual event that has been running for decades, although in the past it was known under different names. When it first appeared decades ago, the show was at the old community centre near the lakeshore.
None of the art appearing in the exhibition has been shown recently at the gallery.
A reception is planned for Saturday, Nov. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. with hot cider and cookies. The gallery will also be open for Light Up on Main Street.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
