The Under $100 Art Market is organized by the city’s Art Endowment Fund and aims to raise awareness for Lacombe’s local artists. This will be the second year people can shop handmade artisan goods during the annual Light Up the Night Festival.
The market was held last year for the first time after organizers realized there wasn’t an affordable local art market being held anywhere nearby.
The event sees local artists sell their handcrafted goods over the course of two days at what is essentially an indoor pop-up store. There are no real booths so customers can peruse the art like they would at any local store.
Each piece will be sold for under $100, which makes supporting local artists easier and more affordable for some.
Maureen MacKenzie, executive arts and culture assistant for the City of Lacombe, said the event will look a bit different this year because of COVID-19.
Hand sanitizer, masks and gloves will be provided and they will be following all health protocols recommended by the province. Mask use is also recommended but not mandatory.
A 20 per cent commission from each sale will go towards the city’s Art Endowment Fund. This will help to build the newly created Bob Creurer Memorial Student Award.
“We knew we wanted to do something to commemorate Bob and all his contributions and felt that the best way would be to create a student art award in his name,” said MacKenzie.
The award will be given out in April at the art show and sale with first place winning $250 and the honourable mention receiving $100. The money can be used towards things like art supplies, courses or other art-related purchases.
The Art Endowment Fund is asking for people to submit their works of art to the market before Nov. 6. The art does not need to be created for the market and can include unsold pieces from previous markets.
“A lot of artists have artwork that they haven’t sold yet or people might be downsizing who have original artwork in excellent shape,” said MacKenzie.
Artists can use the online form to register the items they plan on selling along with a $15 registration fee. Craft items like knitting/sewing projects, soaps and food items will not be accepted this year.
Last year the market had 30 vendors and according to MacKenzie was a bit hit with the community.
The market will be held during the Light Up the Night Festival on Nov. 26 and 27 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre’s County room. The market will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.