The Cochrane Art Club will be holding its annual Spring Show and Sale May 4 and 5, this time returning to its roots at the Cochrane RancheHouse for the gallery-style event.
The show will boast between 180-200 pieces of artwork from the hardworking group of artists, said club spokesperson A.J. Pearson.
There will be something for everyone, with a wide variety of still life paintings, historical images and abstracts, among other genres of art.
“Every year we put on the gallery event, featuring the original fine art of some of the club members,” said Pearson, who is a member of the Cochrane Art Club.
“It’s a real community event. (The members of the club) really appreciate the support we’ve been given by the people of Cochrane and area. This is our way of giving back.”
The show and sale will kick off at 10 a.m. May 4 with a silent auction. In the past, Pearson said there have been bidding wars between buyers anxious to get their hands on the work of a specific artist. Running until noon, the silent auction portion puts all buyers on an even playing field.
Following the auction, the remaining artwork will be available for sale at the assigned price.
“Proceeds will go to the artists, with only a small percentage going to the club to cover the cost of the event,” said Pearson. “This is a great opportunity to support local artists.”
New to this year’s event is the location. Pearson said the club is no longer setting up with the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce at the Trade Show, instead moving the show and sale to the Cochrane RancheHouse.
“We’ve appreciated the alliance over the years, but we are looking to get back to some of out grassroots concepts,” she said, adding that the sale had called the RancheHouse home for a number of years in the past.
“Our original mandate was to be part of the community, furthering the knowledge of art and encouraging community involvement with art.”
With a membership open to 50 artists — two thirds of which are from Cochrane and the surrounding area — the club acts as a hub to everyone from budding artists to established professionals.
Applications to join the Cochrane Art Club will be available at the show and sale. There is currently a waitlist to become a member.
In addition to the silent auction, the art club’s spring show and sale will offer attendees light refreshments and the chance to win an original painting by club member Doreen Hanna. And visitors will be able to vote for their favourite artist to win this year’s People’s Choice Award, which will be announced in a short ceremony May 5 at 3 p.m.
The Cochrane Art Club’s 54th annual Spring Show and Sale will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4 and 5. Admission to the show is free.
For more information, call 403-932-5715.
