It’s a tradition 30-years in the making and the Leighton Art Centre’s annual Christmas Craft Sale continues to draw large crowds.
The centre’s stunning views, with rolling hills dusted with snow and gorgeous tree lined walkways, are the backdrop for the work of artists from across Alberta who are displaying their original work over two weekends.
This year 100 artists have brought more than 800 paintings to Leighton Centre along with other mediums including glasswork, metalwork, fine crafts, sculptures, ceramics, pottery, books and photography.
“This year we also have carved gourds and handmade dolls,” said Megan Kerluke, Leighton Centre program director. “There is a diverse selection.”
Anyone who missed the Christmas sale last weekend need not worry as it has been extended to this weekend to accommodate the thousand or more people who have attended in the past. The art will continue to be on display all week and the festivities will continue Nov. 11 to 13, with hot apple cider, cookies and craft making for children on Saturday, Nov. 12.
Kerluke said the Christmas Craft Sale was a tradition started by founder Barbara Leighton, who would invite friends and the general public to the home to view work from local artists and enjoy the season together.
“It is a wonderful atmosphere,” said Kerluke. “You can enjoy the view and art and do some Christmas shopping and get into the spirit.”
All art is unframed and, therefore, much more affordable for those looking for Christmas gifts. Buying unframed art also allows the buyer the flexibility to have it framed to suit their own taste or if it is a gift the receiver can frame it to their own taste, explained Kerluke.
Melanie Pope, an Okotoks native who recently moved to Calgary, will be showing her landscapes of the foothills area and the west coast. She said she has a number of studies, small paintings of a narrow focus used to practice a subject that could be used in a larger painting, she is selling and other sized work as well.
Pope said besides selling her work at the show, she enjoys just soaking up the atmosphere at the Leighton Art Centre during the holiday season.
“Its eclectic,” she said of the work on display at the sale. “It’s a good place to see people’s work and the ambience of the place – it’s a whole experience out there.”
Paintings on display cover every medium, including oils, acrylics and watercolours.
Pope volunteered over the first weekend and said it was busy all day.
“It is a fantastic place to be,” she said. “To visit with the artists and the general public.”
The Leighton Art Centre Christmas Craft Sale also welcomes emerging artists, she added, which gives them a venue to have their work viewed and provides more reasonable prices to the public.
Since becoming involved with the Leighton Art Centre Christmas Craft Sale three years ago, Pope said it’s an event not to be missed on her calendar.
“Once you discover it, you fall in love with it,” she said.
The Leighton Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To get there drive west on Highway 22X and then turn south on 96th Street and drive for 4.7 kilometres. Go west at the four-way stop at 226th Avenue, then west at 112th Street and west on 226th Avenue at the bottom of a big hill. Finally at a t-intersection turn left at the red schoolhouse. For more information see www.leightoncentre.org
