Second annual Oxygen Art Market is just around the corner
By Contributor
The market was such as success in 2011, organizers are ready to do it all over again at the Oxygen Art Market May 25-27.
The Art Market has quickly become an important fundraiser for the Oxygen Art Centre.
The event, attracting an estimated 700 attendees, was developed in response to a greater need for fundraising to keep the Oxygen’s doors open.
Like many artist-run centres and community organizations across the province, Oxygen has been hit hard in recent years by cuts to BC Gaming Grants.
While many organizations have been forced to close their doors, Oxygen has continued to survive in the face of adversity.
“We’ve got a skeleton staff now. We are here because of the work of our committed volunteers, the love and support of the community, and of our sponsors and funders,” said Miriam Needoba, coordinator of the Art Market.
Needoba is expecting more than 40 artists to the market.
Last year, approximately $9000 in art was sold on a 50/50 split between Oxygen Art Centre and local artists.
“Our art community benefited on every level,” Needoba explained.
“All sorts of people went home with original, locally-produced art work for their homes or offices, or as gifts for their friends and family. Some of them got great deals!”
The markets expects to see hundreds of paintings, prints and photographs submitted by established and emerging Kootenay artists, who were invited to participate in the event.
Many of the artists had previously been involved with Oxygen Art Centre throughout the years.
Oxygen’s mandate is to provide a centre for the community to engage in art, literary, film and performance activities through classes, exhibitions, events and performances.
This includes work with local, national and international artists, exhibition and teaching opportunities for professional artists, as well as training for emerging artists and members of the public interested in art.
Last year, approximately 153 students and 2563 audience members took part in Oxygen exhibitions, events and classes. In 2011, volunteers contributed over 734 hours of their time to the centre.
The event, sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust, is being held at the Oxygen Art Centre, #-320 Vernon St in Nelson (back alley entrance).
Hours are: Friday 7-10 p.m, Saturday 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
