The Christmas holiday season is upon us in a month, and for obvious reasons it's shaping up to be the most subdued in memory. But the folks down at the Penticton Art Gallery think they have some welcome therapy.
It's the 2020 edition of the Under $500 Exhibition + Sale, and it officially launched Saturday morning.
Between now and January 30th, you can head down to the gallery and check out a truly impressive compilation of made-in-BC art. There are 617 pieces in total -- a record number for the annual event -- and every last one is available for purchase.
PentictonNow toured the venue Saturday afternoon and came away appreciating not only its scope -- the 2020 show is so big that it overflows into the Main Gallery -- but its diversity too. From the wild and surrealistic to the comical and the traditional, the collection is as varied as the artists who created it.
Prices range from $25 to $500, and if you're buying a gift for a certain someone they'll hold it for you until you want to pick it up.
The only downside? Due to last week's reinforced COVID restrictions, the Gallery couldn't hold its traditionally bubbly Friday night opening reception.
"Yep, we had to cancel that," said Gallery collections and communications manager McKaila Ferguson Saturday afternoon, "but today's been busy. We've already had a lot of people come by and we've sold a lot of pieces."
Turns out 20 in all were sold on the inaugural day, a strong indication that the most desirable stuff will disappear quickly. All proceeds go to future programming for adults and kids.
"It's the biggest collection we've ever had," continued Ferguson. "I think COVID this year inspired a lot of artists to create.
"So if you want to buy something cool for someone, this is the place to be. Everything from paintings to photography, crystal pieces, pottery, and more."
Ferguson says she has a particular affinity for the Under $500 Sale because "it's not juried."
"Everything that's submitted gets shown. That's why I love it so much. We have super established, really well-known professional artists, and we have artists as young as three. And everything in between."
For those who'd rather browse and perhaps buy from home, the Under $500 Exhibition + Sale has an online component. You can find it here.
The Penticton Art Gallery, located at 199 Marina Way, is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and 10 to 5 Saturday from now to Dec. 23rd. It'll re-open after the holiday period on Jan. 2.
Call 250-493-2928 for more information.
