The Christmas season kicks off artfully this week with Studio Fair.
This year, the organizers at the Community Arts Council (CAC) are taking it to a whole other level: upstairs at the Civic Centre as well as down on the main convention floor. A whole second tier will be in effect when the crowds come through the Studio Fair doors this year.
"We have 10 artists on our upstairs level. It will be an additional destination for people who come to admire the original handmade creations that are for sale at Studio Fair. Original art of all kinds is what Studio Fair is all about," said Lisa Redpath, the CAC's project co-ordinator.
The second floor of the Civic Centre has been used in the past for some Studio Fair activities without a lot of success. But as the creative depth in local arts has increased over time, coupled with the high interest in Studio Fair from out-of-town artists vying to have a booth at this premier arts convention, the Civic Centre upper deck is in play like never before. This year, the organizers are putting extra emphasis on the upstairs.
"We have some very popular artists on the upper deck, with some art that people will definitely want to see," said Redpath.
At the top of the list is chainsaw carver John Rogers with his wildly whittled wood. His work goes under the comical moniker JR's Exotic Firewood.
Allan Lund is another wood specialist expected to be a popular draw because of his quaint and quirky reindeer assembled out of branches and blocks of trees. He is making his Studio Fair debut.
Glen Wyka of GW Woodturning will also be along that same upstairs avenue, with his collection of bowls, candle holders and a variety vessels from the wood that is so prevalent in our region. He likes to maximize the grain colours of birch or beetle-stained pine.
Wood of a different form - books - is also represented upstairs with writer L.A. Fielding and his X-tails stories. These stories focus on brightly illustrated animal characters who love sports, the winter, and more from the northern B.C. lifestyle. With themes like inclusion, sportsmanship, bullying issues and the like, these are popular with kids and families wherever these pages open.
Another collection of top-level illustrations will be on display and sale, courtesy of Adrienne Tallman who does coloured pencil drawings on black paper, as well as other sketch art.
Add to that the chain mail wearables made by Paula and James Greenwood of Flutterbykisses, and local photography (everything from cards to canvas) by Pat Suter of Picture A Time.
In an ironic twist, the top floor is also where you will find the inventory of Underground Art, an artists' collective shop normally located at Books & Company featuring the aboriginal art of twin sisters Carla Joseph and Karen Erickson and many of their friends.
One of Underground Art's featured artists, Shirley Babcock, will have the adjoining boutique for her native arts.
Two other famed local artists will join forces in one of the upstairs spaces. Watercolour star Cliff Mann (past winner of P.G. Art Battle, former CAC artist-in-residence, etc.) and metal painter Melanie Desjardines (proprietor of Groop Gallery) will showcase their work together.
A painting by Mann will also be a prize to be won, but only for those Studio Fair patrons who tour the upstairs vendors. Redpath said it was important to reward those who ascended the 28 steps up to that additional avenue of art.
Having a good time with the experience - part unique shopping spree, part wondrous gallery tour - was the main mission for the CAC.
"Studio Fair is a major fundraiser for us, for our whole year," she explained. "The money we make at Studio Fair goes to a great deal of our programming, our staff, and all the advocacy work we do for the arts in Prince George."
Studio Fair - upstairs and downstairs - runs from Friday morning through to Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $3 each day, and children under 12 are free.
