Good art comes in small packages, and that is what the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery will demonstrate in its upcoming art show.
The theme of November’s show is small and wild. Artists are encouraged to contain their creativity to a smaller canvas and paint a wild animal. This month’s theme challenges artists’ comfort zones and ensures the price is more affordable.
“It’s a bigger challenge for the artist to put everything that they want to say on a smaller canvas. There is a lot more intensity and thought on a small canvas ... we give them a suggestion about what we would like to see to maybe challenge them and they might think ‘oh maybe I can do this,’” said Kathy Holmes, president of the Ladysmith and District Arts Council. “We are asking our artists for smaller canvases to keep the price down.”
While the gallery has done a show like this before, each show is different and new. With nearly 50 participating artists, organizers say this month’s event is very exciting.
“I’m excited about every event because when you walk in the door, it’s always amazing; it’s new and always fresh and exciting,” said Holmes. “New artist are added to the mix, and it is exciting to see what people are creating with their hands.”
The gallery is also having a fundraiser to help keep its doors open and heat on. Artists have donated their work, and gallery supporters can buy artwork for $35. Proceeds go to the gallery to help with building costs and shows.
“We’ve handed out eight-by-eight canvases to artists, and they can paint on them and they are for sale for $35 per canvas, and that is a fundraiser that will help keep the lights on,” said Holmes. “We’ve sold lots, so there are holes in the walls but they keep coming in.”
The small canvas art opening will be this Saturday (Nov. 3), and the show will run until Nov. 25.
Big or small, everyone is welcome to attend.