Okotoks-area artists are getting a chance to put their work out there.
Running until Sept. 7, the Okotoks Art Gallery’s Members’ Show & Sale features the work of over 60 artists of all levels from the Okotoks and Foothills region.
“It's such a gift to all of us, it’s a huge gift,” said Patricia Palmer, who has had her work in the show for at least five years.
Having painted landscapes regularly for over seven years, Palmer said the pursuit has changed how she sees the world.
“I’m learning to see colours and shapes and shadows way better than I used to,” she said.
Having the Okotoks Art Gallery as a cultural touchstone in the community is a huge benefit to developing talent, Palmer exclaimed.
“We couldn’t possibly be so encouraged if we didn’t have this kind of community that supports this art,” she said.
“It’s all scales; there’s some really high-quality stuff, but there’s some stuff that were beginners, and getting sales surprises you.”
During Palmer’s interview, one of her pieces was sold to a gallery visitor.
The accessibility isn’t just to the artist, said Andrea Spiers with Okotoks Culture and Heritage.
“The gallery is accessible to artists of all levels, and it’s accessible to all people coming in shopping,” Spiers said. “We had a really young little girl buy one of Patricia’s pieces for her bedroom – that's what it’s all about.
“It’s community. We’re bringing community together.”
For more information, visit OkotoksCulture.ca.
