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Spreading Christmas spirit

Elaborate sculptures and thought-provoking paintings that typically fill Okotoks’ old train station have now been replaced with tree ornaments, handcrafted jewelry and winter-themed crafts.
Mara Wortley stops to look at a painting during the opening reception of the Spirit of Christmas exhibit at the Okotoks Art Gallery on Nov. 14.
Mara Wortley stops to look at a painting during the opening reception of the Spirit of Christmas exhibit at the Okotoks Art Gallery on Nov. 14.

Elaborate sculptures and thought-provoking paintings that typically fill Okotoks’ old train station have now been replaced with tree ornaments, handcrafted jewelry and winter-themed crafts.

The Okotoks Art Gallery has been transformed into a Christmas gift shopping experience with pottery, glass works, small paintings and other arts and crafts for its annual Spirit of Christmas exhibit Nov. 14 to Dec. 23.

“We’ve got some amazing articles on exhibit made by local crafts people,” said Allan Boss, Town of Okotoks culture and heritage manager.

About half of the gallery’s 84 members hopped on board to sell their arts and crafts, including two who joined recently just for the opportunity to showcase at the Spirit of Christmas, said Boss.

“Part of the benefit of your membership with the gallery is you get the opportunity to sell wares in our gift shop during our Spirit of Christmas sale and our Art on the Lawn (summer) event,” he said. “It provides an opportunity for local artists and crafters to be able to display and sell their wares.”

This year marks the third Spirit of Christmas event in the art gallery and the busiest night will be Light Up Okotoks on Nov. 20.

“We try and create the whole gallery into a beautiful Christmas show where people can buy arts and crafts,” he said.

“The whole train station is all one big Christmas show. The most expensive item is $200.”

Boss said the exhibit is a big change from what’s typically showcased throughout the year.

“When we’re programming art exhibits in the gallery there are times when we might want to challenge audiences and bring in something that perhaps is slightly more avant-garde or contemporary that will make them think,” he said. “There are other times we want to give them something that is quite easy to get. We have to take a breath every once in a while. This exhibit is just that — taking a breath. It’s Christmas time in Okotoks so let’s get in the spirit.”

First-time exhibitor Sandra Heavens has been a member of the Okotoks Art Gallery for three years and decided to get into the Spirit of Christmas this year.

“I decided maybe I should try to show my work,” said the High River artist. “I love shopping at the gallery anyway. The Spirit of Christmas you’ve got the local artists and everything is one of a kind.”

Heavens said it allows people to buy different items one wouldn’t find in a big box-store.

“What I like about it is you’re buying from local artists, you are getting unique items,” she said. “I didn’t realize it was such a big venue that they had so much.”

Heavens displayed some of her mixed media art, watercolours, cards featuring her artwork and decorated fence posts she calls snow people.

“It’s just like all of a sudden people find out a little bit more about me and about everybody else,” she said. “It’s just to get my name out there and be part of everything that’s going on.”

Returning to the Spirit of Christmas for a second year is Natalie VonRaven.

Last year the High River artist showcased three large paintings for about $200 each, but when they didn’t sell she decided to take a different approach this year and is selling some smaller paintings, prints, bookmarks and greeting cards with her art on it.

“This year I’m displaying more affordable items,” she said. “This year’s price range is from $3 to $120. It’s really important for me that there’s something in everyone’s price range.”

VonRaven said she will have a few framed prints for $25 each and bookmarks and greeting cards as low as $3.

She is eager for the opportunity to sell her work and even do some shopping.

“There is something on every level — there’s big 2D art to look at and little trinkets and ornaments,” she said. “It’s really good exposure for the rest of the community to see your work in a really nice setting and it’s a good place for people to go shopping, especially with how things are priced $200 and under.”

VonRaven also likes being a part of Spirit of Christmas for the opportunity to be a part of a group.

“You get to know the other artists a lot better,” she said. “When you start out at first and you’re not involved in the inner circles it’s really tough. Once you’ve been at it and have a good network of people around you it gets easier.”

The Okotoks Art Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

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