The Best Damn Little Art Auction Ever is coming Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m., to the Groop Gallery's new space called Groop Down Under, located in the newly-renovated basement of the gallery at 1127 Third Avenue.
This auction offers art that is six inches by six inches in dimension but it's not restricted to painting on canvass. Anything that fits into that description will be up for sale by emerging and established artists.
"There's been some amazing response," said Melanie Desjardines, owner of Groop Gallery. "We're getting whole families submitting work to the auction. It's a good opportunity for creative kids to submit, too. It's awesome because it's a grass roots, community, inclusive event. "
The auction is a fundraiser so half the sale proceeds will go directly to the artist, while 25 per cent of the proceeds goes to each of the partners, Groop Gallery and the Prince George & District Community Arts Council, Desjardines explained.
Melanie and Shelldon Desjardines own the building located at 1127 Third Avenue and Melanie's dream has been to establish a self-sustaining commercial art gallery on the premises, which has been there for three years.
"All along I had the intention of eventually expanding the space," said Desjardines. "It took three years to decide to work the space." With specifics from the city to make sure all regulations were adhered to, the space has been reworked to make it a viable part of the Groop Gallery space, she added. After the show, the Groop Down Under will be available for meetings, workshops and vanity gallery space where artists can showcase their work.
"So the art auction will christen the space," said Desjardines. "All the little pieces will be set up downstairs and it will be a silent auction with a cash bar and live entertainment."
Lisa Redpath, project coordinator at the Prince George & District Community Arts Council, is doing the intake for the artists and already there's been at least 50 notices of intent from artists who will be submitting the maximum three pieces.
"We couldn't be happier with the response we're getting from the local arts community," said Redpath. "Part of our mandate is to encourage new and emerging artists to get into the industry and this is definitely the event for them. We have a lot of talent in Prince George and we want as many buyers in attendance as we can get. We would love to sell out."
