A spot of art for all to enjoy

East Kildonan

City Centre

Charleswood

Around 70 local artists will be showcased at an upcoming event that’s intended to make art accessible.

Art Spot’s inaugural Under $100 Art Show in Winnipeg will take place at Portage Place (393 Portage Ave.) from Aug. 13 to 16.

According to Emma McCaul, Art Spot’s owner and founder, the event will showcase original artwork, prints and homemade accessories — all priced at $100 or less. As well as the accessibility factor, the event is also focused on encouraging people to rediscover and support Winnipeg’s downtown core she said.

“At Art Spot, we want to promote local and emerging artists,” said McCaul, who is based in Calgary, Alta. “We support paid gigs for artists, and the Under $100 Art Show is our largest show by far. From humble beginnings in 2008, our shows have exploded in popularity through the years. In terms of the event’s rhythm, pieces will be released at regular intervals.”

McCaul said what’s left of Portage Place was chosen as the location for Winnipeg’s debut show for a number of reasons, not least to help bring some vibrancy to a part of the city that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

“I chose the location deliberately, as we’re hoping to bring a bit of love to downtown Winnipeg,” McCaul said. “We want to help regenerate the location, as neighbourhoods need love, arts and culture.”

“It’s interesting learning about these new cities, and learning what works and what doesn’t work,” she added, noting the show has been held in Vancouver, B.C., and Edmonton, Alta., in recent years, and the Saskatoon, Sask., edition will be held a week before the Winnipeg version.

Visitors don’t necessarily have to buy pieces of the wall-to-ceiling art, either: there will also be attractions such as live music, and photo booths, and anyone age 16 and under can get in free.

“Even if you’re not buying art, it will be a great experience,” McCaul said, noting the accessories on sale will include greetings cards glassware, jewelry, textiles, and woodworking.

The event’s theme will be Christmas vacation and artists will encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts and reindeer antlers to get in the spirit of things.

In emailed statements, participating artists Mandy Morris and Des Raymond highlighted different benefits of the show.

“The Under $100 Art Show in Winnipeg allows me to introduce my work to new audiences, exhibit in my family’s home province for the first time, and clear out some of my storage so I can get back to swinging my paintbrush. I am so grateful for this opportunity,” Morris, who lives in East Kildonan, said.

“What I love about the show concept is that it allows people to collect original art by Manitoba artists by making it financially in reach. In these times we can all use a break — mentally and financially — and art that is affordable is just that. Quite happy to participate in just that,” Raymond, who lives in Charleswood, said.

Visit @artspot.canada on Instagram or go online at www.artspotcalgary.com for more information.