Three years ago the first piece of art was unveiled at Gallery Row.
The exhibit has helped emerging artists gain exposure and aims at celebrating the art and culture in the community.
This year nearly 25 art pieces are being unveiled Saturday (June 15) at the third annual Art Fest.
“The display is to give artists exposure,” said Sadie Beaudoin-Lobb, event coordinator. “It’s to celebrate the local arts community and emerging artists to give them exposure.”
She said some of the artists have had people commission work because they saw their artwork on the Gallery Row exhibit.
The festival is presented annually by G.E.M. Fabrications Ltd. Artists are invited to submit their work, which will be juried, to be displayed for one year on the outdoor gallery.
Artwork in the exhibit includes glasswork, sculptures, paintings and other mediums.
The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. with the official gallery unveiling ceremony at 1 p.m. for the 2013-14 display.
Beaudoin-Lobb said many people don’t know where the gallery is located. The best way to find it is to go to G.EM. Fabrications Ltd. on Fitzwilliam Street. The gallery is behind the business.
Admission to Art Fest is free. The event features live entertainment, children’s activities such as face painting, a silent auction of items donated from local businesses and the artwork displayed for 2012-13. The art auction is a way for artists to get money for their creations said Beaudoin-Lobb.
Beaudoin-Lobb said the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Old City Quarter and the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association.
She said the annual celebration and display strengthens community ties and highlights the value of art and culture in the city.
For more information about Gallery Row please go to www.galleryrow.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
