Cathy Dobson You know you’ve hit on a good fundraising idea when people volunteer and even more people want to attend.
Cathy Dobson
You know you’ve hit on a good fundraising idea when people volunteer and even more people want to attend.
Billie Jo Gage is the organizer of Art Attack, an event held twice a year to raise funds for Art Walk and to keep the spirit of the annual event alive.
The latest version takes place on First Friday, Dec. 2 and more artists than ever will be creating works while the crowds look on.
“We’ve got some old fan favourites and some new artists who wanted in on it,” said Gage. “The artists seem to like Art Attack so much that I had an immediate response when I put the call out for this one.
“Everyone wanted to jump back in. Then I started hearing from new artists too.”
She believes the enthusiasm of the local art community comes from a desire to share the creative process and demonstrate what’s involved in real time.
“There’s an energy in the room that’s electric,” Gage said. “As consumers we may not understand the thought and time put into painting a canvas.
“Seeing the work an artist puts in is worth so much.”
Art Attack runs 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and features more than a dozen artists, music by Port Huron DJ Franck Nowak and refreshments for sale from The Refined Fool brewery and Maya’s Village Bakery.
The meshing of music and art is also what makes the vibe special, Gage said.
As a fundraiser, the event has been only moderately successful, bringing in a couple of thousand dollars to support Art Walk.
Patrons are encouraged to buy raffle tickets ($5 each or 5 for $20) to win the art that is produced during the night. Each artist donates his or her time and Art Attack, Gage said.
“I don’t think people realize Art Walk operates on a shoestring budget, and to flourish we need to pump it up,” she said.
“Fundraising events like this are really important to Art Walk. They also give something back to the community.”
Participating artists include Laura Kreviazuk, Caitlyn Jean, Adam Miner, Melissa Upfold, James Burdan, Maria Rondon, Kirsten Anderson, Samantha Pickard, Stewart Wayne Fanning, David Moore, Francis Martin and more.
Other First Friday events announced by press time include:
* Handcrafted glass by artist Justine Goulet and music from Sam Miller at One Tooth Activewear, 155 Front St. North.
* Hot chocolate, treats, ornament making and music by the Resolution Quartet at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery, 147 Lochiel St.
* Toy drive for the Inn of the Good Shepherd at Esby & Soph, 155 Front St. North.
* Framing ideas for Christmas at Artopia Gallery & Framing, 188 Christina St. North.
* “Wrap it Up!” art show by members of the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts, 127 Christina St. South. Open Stage music in The Turret Room.
* First Friday free yoga at Inner Dawn Yoga 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., 155 Front St. North.
* Local crafts and gifts, family activities and entertainment in the Bayside Centre near the fountain.
* Miniature paintings by local artists available at the Imperial Theatre, 168 Christina St. North.
The Arts Journal reflects the cultural fabric of our community. If you have a story idea, contact Cathy Dobson at 226-932-0985 or [email protected].
