Every year, the Oxygen Art Market attracts hundreds of art-lovers to the Oxygen Art Centre. And it’s no wonder! Over 40 established and emerging Kootenay artists submit their paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and other 2D work for this weekend-long event.
The work is hung salon-style, in the manner of the Académie des Beaux-Arts exhibitions in Paris at the turn of the century, where work was hung on every available wall space from ceiling to floor. With over 150 pieces on display, the hanging is a major undertaking for the volunteer committee, and it makes for a striking event.
Oxygen Art Market is an opportunity to experience first-hand the breadth of work made by West Kootenay artists, and to get yourself a piece of original, locally-made art. With 50 per cent of the sales given to the Oxygen Art Centre, the Art Market has become an important fundraiser for the Centre.
Oxygen is governed by a collective of professional visual artists, filmmakers, theatre artists and writers. As one of Canada’s 100 or so artist-run centres, Oxygen shares the common mandate to provide an alternative forum for contemporary art, outside of commercial constraints and interests, while recognizing artists through the payment of professional artist fees. Oxygen Art Centre gratefully acknowledges the support of the Columbia Basin Trust.
The third annual Oxygen Art Market will take place on Friday May 24 from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday May 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday May 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oxygen Art Centre is located at 320 Vernon Street (back alley entrance). For more information see, oxygenartcentre.org.