Professional art that supports local people for reasonable prices
The 16×20 Art Show is now in its third year in our community, and once again, it’s bringing together 15 artists who are part of the Interlake Artists Collective in one place so that residents have a chance to see what people in our region are creating.
“The 16×20 show is a unique show in Manitoba. What we do is we gather a group of local artists. And by local, I mean, from the Interlake or Winnipeg, so they’re Manitoba local artists. We all get together, and we create pieces that are 16 inches by 20 inches in size — we also have another category that’s 12 inches by 16 inches. What makes our show unique is that we have set prices for all of them. All 16x20s are $300, and all 12x16s are $200, so before you even come into the show, you know what your budget is. It makes it easier for people when they’re looking and considering buying art, they don’t have to look at price tags,” said the Interlake Artists Collective’s Patti Simko.
The show will have a variety of artwork in many different styles and using different mediums, so there will likely be a little something that everyone can appreciate.
“We have acrylic painters, watercolour, mixed media, graphite, and it’s mostly wall art on the grid,” said Simko.
The main show takes place at the St. Andrews Community Club, 28 St. Andrews Road, on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a VIP night on Oct. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
One of the main goals of this show is to make the art accessible to residents in our communities.
“We want to match people with art, not the artist. We work together, all of the artists that show in each of these shows, we’re a team. We all have the same goal to match people up. Because honestly, when one artist does well, we all do well,” said Simko.
Simko explained that they have a variety of artists all at different points in their careers. With this show, you get work from a young artist just starting out in their career as well as art from very experienced artists who inspire creativity through their work, which has become known in the community.
The art show isn’t just a show, however, there will be events taking place throughout. There will be an art corner where demonstrations and presentations will take place all day on Saturday on a variety of topics. The St. Andrews Community Club will also have its canteen open all day on Saturday. On Friday, the VIP night is on, and there will be a paint night class that people can purchase tickets to online, with proceeds going to the St. Andrews Community Club. And, finally, there will be a large paper called, the People’s Pallet, where artists and visitors can create a multi-creator community art piece.
Simko feels that it’s important that artists create art and also that events like this allow artists to share with their community.
“Art’s good for any community. Art has a therapeutic side to it. When you’re immersed in art, you’re taken away from the problems of everyday. It has a healing kind of quality to it. But having said that, to have an art show in a community club, it has an enrichment factor for the whole community,” she said.
She explained that she loves the moment when setup is done and the show is ready to go, but that her other favourite part of the annual event is when people come in to see the art.
“I also really like it when we’re in mid-show on the Saturday and people are coming in and milling about and listening to the artist talks, and the demonstrations, and we’re in the buzz of people. I really enjoy that activity on the Saturday afternoon when things get going and there’s a lot of excitement,” said Simko.
She encourages anyone who has some time to stop by the show.
“It’s just a good opportunity to come and see what some of the local talent has to offer. And if you’re even remotely thinking of purchasing a piece of original art, this is a place to do it, because, like I said, the consistent pricing is very attractive. You know what your budget is before you even walk in the door. So this year in particular, I really would encourage people to come and have a peek, because, like I said, the art has levelled up. It’s really good, high quality art for exceptionally affordable prices and 95 per cent, I’d have to say, of the pieces that are being shown are brand new, just painted for this show this year,” said Simko.
You can check out the Interlake Artist Collective online on their Instagram page at @interlakeartistcollective.
If you would like to sign up to take the $25 Friday night paint night class, visit www.pattisimkoart.ca for more information or to purchase. Tickets will likely sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to sign up soon.
This year’s lineup of artists are:
- Patti Simko
- Barb Hoffmann
- Joan Ewonchuk
- Jordan Miller
- Katie Simko
- Sandra Proulx
- Marissa de Rayos
- Kendra Stoyko
- Heather Gillespie
- Jackie Turnbull
- Renay Taylor-Besant
- Ethan Olson
- Barb Friesen
- Manetta Vandale
- Ana Azevedo
