Mobs of supporters with wads of cash will swamp Studio 2880 on Saturday.
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce has established the Cash Mob habit, with a handful of these business booster events already behind them. Studio 2880 was the latest one selected from the chamber's application process.
Studio 2880 is a gift shop loaded with all-local, all-original art items of all kinds, from handmade mugs and bowls to intricate carvings to items sewn and woven and quilted to typical fine arts items like photographs and paintings.
The boutique shop is operated by the Community Arts Council, the not-for-profit umbrella organization that fosters art and culture of all sorts in the Prince George region.
"This is where the community has been encouraged to stop in with their $20 and support the Arts Council and artists," said a chamber statement.
"The Artisan Gift Shoppe is a gallery of creative art representing our talented northern regional artists. Shop and discover unique hand-crafted pieces you can use and enjoy every day. Grab your family or a friend and $20 cash then head on down to their location at 2880 15th Avenue on Saturday."
The typical protocol is, when the chamber schedules a flash mob, everyone who can make it swarms into the designated business during the appointed time (from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, in this case), brings at least $20 but often more, and spends that money in a group flurry. Being the creative, innovative types, the folks who run Studio 2880 are tailoring their Saturday especially for the cash mob.
"We've put a call out to all our artists to consider their medium and what items they could perhaps create for $20 out the door," said Wendy Young, executive director of the Community Arts Council and a glass art creator herself.
"What we're going to do is take the $20 items and have them upstairs on their own tables so you can walk through, get a feel for the place, and have an efficient flow to your visit. The items of higher values will be downstairs in the main gift shop and the $20 items will have their own area."
For those cash mobbers already familiar with Studio 2880, Young said this event was going to be a treat for them as well.
"We have also been doing a renovation project to give the gift shop a new face. Thanks mostly to Lisa (Redpath, the CAC's project co-ordinator), it looks better in here than it ever has," she said.
There will also be light refreshments at the ready for all the cash mobbers who come.
No invitation is necessary, and no need to register. All are invited to be part of the Studio 2880 fun on Saturday.
The active mobbing is set for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
