Cathy Dobson
It’s heartening to see established artists mentor and support burgeoning artists in Sarnia, and that’s very much what the Art Under Glass Show & Sale is about.
The annual show in September has evolved into a first-rate juried event for painters, potters, jewelry makers and such, as well as an opportunity for young artists to add to the show and receive some of the proceeds.
That’s because Harmony for Youth is involved. The unique volunteer-driven organization gives young people a place to belong, to learn about art and music, and get involved in their community.
The Harmony choir will perform at Art Under Glass, and the agency will host a barbecue and silent auction on the Saturday morning and afternoon, followed by another barbecue on Sunday.
And for the second year, Harmony is the chosen charity to receive some of the revenue from vendor space rental at Art Under Glass.
Harmony has received international recognition for being a haven for local youth. It currently operates out of a large space at Bayside Centre downtown and is offering music instruction and after school drop-in starting in September.
Kids of all ages can take free lessons in guitar, keyboarding, and percussion, and can join the choir.
Paul Kearney is a board member for both Harmony and Art Under Glass. He’s a local watercolour artist who gives his time to keep Harmony afloat and helps publicize Art Under Glass, which has found a home at DeGroot’s Nurseries greenhouse.
Kearney is also one of about 30 vendors accepted into the show.
All vendors are required to submit examples of their work before being chosen to participate.
“Three judges decide if it is what we’re looking for in our show,” said Kearney. “This ensures it is a fine art show, not a craft show, and the artists involved are top-notch.”
Art Under Glass grew out of the loss of an annual studio tour popular in Sarnia for many years. Local artists slowly lost interest in hosting the tour in their home studios.
Instead, they found DeGroot’s where the greenhouse inspired the show’s name. Sarnia photographer Jim Wynne and watercolourist Jack Keefe are credited with spearheading the event’s first years.
The 2018 show will feature a wide variety of work including paintings in all media, jewelry, glasswork, turned wood, fabric art, photography and more. There is still room for a small number of vendors but application must be made quickly, said Kearney.
High school art students interested in helping out to earn volunteer hours can call him at 519-331-6117.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Art Under Glass Show & Sale
WHERE: DeGroot’s Nurseries, 1840 London Line
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 29: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30: Noon – 4 p.m.
OTHER: Free admission. For details, visit www.artunderglasslambton.com.