By Sarah Zimmerman
One of the best parts of being part of a smaller community is how we all come together to support one another and the organizations we belong to.
The Terrace Art Gallery has been a mainstay in my life since I moved to Terrace 20 years ago where I was only supposed to stay for 6 months… I am sure we all know someone with the same story!
I try to donate a bit of my time to the gallery to support its ongoing efforts to provide a space for regional artists to showcase their works.
Every spring, as the clouds finally part and some of that blue sky starts peeking through the clouds, one of my favourite events of the year comes up – the annual members 12X12 show. It’s a collection of 12 inch by 12 inch creations submitted by members of the Terrace Art Gallery. It’s not only a fun show to check out, but I get to flex my auctioneer muscles on March 27 when all of the pieces go up for live auction after a month of silent bidding has taken place.
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It’s one of the best ways for new, or emerging artists, to display their works alongside some of the more experienced artists in the community. Last year I was able to pick up a stunning painting by local heavy hitter, Marie Christine Claveau, who has a piece in this year’s auction too.
It’s a chance to check out the creativity of so many local artists. Pieces are not just painted, they include woodwork, quilting, multimedia and more. More than 40 submissions are currently on display at the Terrace Art Gallery and set up like a silent auction. Bids will be received up until the live auction event on March 27.
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Need a round-up of some of the options? This year’s auction features a commissioned painting of your own home by local artist Mitchel Brager – Mitchell’s trademark house portraits can be spotted all over Terrace. A young artist who is also on the Autism spectrum, his works are vibrant, fun and super unique. He’s got one piece of a rainbow house in the show but I’m really curious to see what his commissioned piece goes for because his painting has become quite sought after.
Local acrylic artist, Amanda Hartman also has a piece in the show. Her submission is a beautiful preview of her upcoming show later this year at the Terrace Art Gallery featuring paintings inspired by a summer sailing trip down the west coast of BC.
And that place-based feel is evident in many other pieces including Kari Morgan, who has a spectacular piece up for grabs featuring her trademark modern interpretation of traditional northwest coast form line depicting a turquoise blue wave that wraps itself around the surface of the wooden canvas.
So, if you get a chance, stop by the Terrace Art Gallery this month to see what 12X12 submissions catch your eye. Then mark your calendars for March 27 at 7 p.m. when I’ll step up to the auctioneer’s table and sell off these pieces one by one. It’s a super fun evening and a great way to connect with folks in the arts community.