If Trooper came to play for the Community Arts Council's annual 6x6 art auction the song they'd sing is "We're here for a good time, but a small time."
Every year it is one of the most popular cultural events in the city, and every year the items in the spotlight are no bigger than six inches by six inches.
"I am just amazed each year at all the beautiful art that's been made inside the size parameters," said Lisa Redpath, the event and project manager for the council (CAC). "And every year the artists get more and more inventive. It's not just paintings and photography. We have little wood carvings, little sculptures, little mixed-media pieces. We have these little polymer hobbit houses this year, you've got to see that."
Each item is sold by auction, with the artist and the CAC splitting the revenue. It's a fundraiser for both and it also fosters the arts because this is a non-juried event. Anyone can submit works to this event, no matter how well established or how new to art they might be. One of this year's artists is six years old.
"Those young ones and new ones get to be in there alongside some really well known and talented artists, and the support back and forth is just great. It can be quite touching," said Redpath.
"The collaboration between the new artist and the professional artist has made it a great atmosphere. We've seen a lot of nurturing spirit come from it, and that is huge for the local arts community overall. That's how new artists get the confidence, it's how new customers are made, it's how established artists get sparked to think of new things, and the public is the big winner when an arts scene has that internal support."
The event takes place starting at 7 p.m. on Apr. 21 at Direct Art. The auction's show and sale moves to a different supportive venue each year, and this time it is the longtime local art shop operated by John Westergard at 1650 Queensway.
"John has been very supportive of the Community Arts Council over the years, and he has been doing this art-based business in Prince George for a long time. We are very grateful that he is part of this event," said Redpath. "He brings a whole different network and community of people interested in the arts. He already knows a lot of our artists. His space is built for showing off art to the public, everything from the path you walk in the showroom to the lighting, it is all gear for art displays and buyers."
Those who attend will have a chance at an on-site prize. Up for grabs is a watercolour class by local painting star Cliff Mann, a painting class by the CAC's artist-in-residence Carla Joseph, a basket of items from Northern Lights Estate Winery, a pottery package by clay master Karen Heathman, and other desirables.
Tickets to attend are $10, then let the bidding begin.
"We've gotta think small so hopefully the buyers will think big," said Redpath. "The more you open your wallet, the more you support local artists and the arts community of Prince George."
