A unique art exhibition and sale is being hosted by the Rimbey Arts Club on March 30 at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.
The show, titled ‘Originals Only’, will take place in the Rimbey Arts Club Studio from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature anywhere from 60 to 70 original pieces available for purchase via a silent auction-style event.
Sharon Johnston, president of the Rimbey Arts Club, said the show came about following a discussion amongst members of how many incredible pieces the artists had in their collections they weren’t currently displaying that could be better enjoyed by relocating to new appreciating owners.
“Artists are notorious for collecting other artists work - but for whatever reason, whether it be designing your home or downsizing they can end up in vertical files stored away somewhere not getting the appreciation they deserve,” said Johnston. “Here we have all this wonderful art that someone else could really enjoy - so we thought let’s try a project that’s originals only.
“You don’t have to be the artist yourself to have it in the auction - you can be the owner but it must be an original piece.”
The Rimbey Arts Club has held a number of shows over the years and has a longstanding presence in the community.
The group was originally founded in 1966. It was later incorporated into a formal non-profit in 1984 alongside the creation of the Peter Lougheed Community Centre. The group made the community centre their home with the creation of the Rimbey Arts Club Studio where they regularly host workshops as well as open studio time. Additionally, the group also hosts a children’s after-school program.
The club aims to be as involved in the community as possible, with their goal being to add a ‘flair of artistic touch’ anywhere they can around town, including the ten-piece gallery they present in the Community Services office.
Johnston added they hope to continue to ‘encourage and promote the enjoyment of art in the community.’
In addition to the upcoming ‘Originals Only’ show the club also hosts an annual show and sale during Alberta Culture Days which takes place annually in September.
If you wish to have a piece in the ‘Originals Only’ show, reach out to the Rimbey Art Club directly. The club will organize, host and sell these works at a 10 per cent fee to members and 25 per cent to non-members commission. If the work doesn’t sell it will be returned at no cost.
The show is also welcoming donations of original artwork at this time. The club wished to thank those who have already donated originals to the show.