Sheena Lott, “Silence in the Snow,” no date
acrylic on canvas, 20” x 20” (courtesy Peninsula Gallery, Sidney, B.C.)
Vivian Chen, who owns the Peninsula Gallery in the seaside town of Sidney on Vancouver Island, used to think holiday art shows were “too commercial.” But in this year of pandemic gloom, she decided to brighten the season with the gallery’s first-ever holiday exhibition. Its title, 20” by 20”, signifies the size of works in the show – but also an unforgettable year.
“People need positive energy,” says Chen. “The average age of our customers is 69. We want to give them a place to relax. A lot of our artists have felt lost and unsettled too.”
Across Western Canada, galleries and gift shops are finding creative ways to respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while encouraging holiday shoppers to support artists and artisans. And with the festive season in full tilt, the marketing message is loud and clear – shop local.
Even in cities where public health restrictions have forced partial lockdowns, commercial galleries, and sometimes gift shops at public galleries, are open, even if at reduced capacities. Many venues are buffing up their online shopping sites and offering curb-side pick-ups, front porch drop-offs or other sales incentives. Given the evolving COVID-19 regimes, it’s best to call ahead to check on protocols, which sometimes include bookings or timed visits.
Sue Gordon, “Then Shall Your Light Rise …,” 2020
encaustic on wood panel, 30” x 30” (courtesy Soul Gallery, Winnipeg)
In Winnipeg, residents are spending money to beautify the living spaces where they have spent so much time in 2020, says Julie Walsh, the owner of Soul Gallery. The gallery, located in a house in the city’s Riverview district, offers online sales and actively promotes Winnipeg artists, including Sue Gordon, Katherine Bruce, Inga Torfadóttir and others.
“Support original fine art,” Walsh advises. “A gift of fine art gives meaning.”
Also in Winnipeg, the Woodlands Gallery is closed to visitors but staff are working to support shoppers who browse the website. “We’re still making sales,” manager Jenny DeLury says, describing how her staff hold up paintings outside the gallery so customers can see them in person.
Helen Kalvak, “Couple with Snow Goggles,” no date
print edition 47/50, 26” x 20” (courtesy Winnipeg Art Gallery)
Another option is the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s online shop, where gifts include metallic rainbow tree ornaments and Qaumajuq candles, the Inuktitut name for the gallery’s new Inuit art centre, as well as contemporary crafts, prints and carvings.
Susan Rankin, “Shard Vase – Open Form Red Orange Rust,” no date, blown glass, layered shards with cane drawing, 11.5” x 4.5” (courtesy Assiniboia Gallery, Regina)
In Saskatchewan, commercial galleries have banded together to create a one-stop online resource at shopthegalleries.ca, making it easy to browse different venues.
For instance, gifts are the theme at Regina’s Assiniboia Gallery, where curator Jeremy Weimer makes online shopping easier with gift guides broken down by price categories. He hired a social media expert in September and says customers have been responding.
“People are browsing,” he says. “And they are buying.”
Artists are also becoming more entrepreneurial. Brandi Hofer, a Lloydminster artist and mother of three young children, hired an art consultant when the pandemic hit. Now, she runs an online shop from her home studio.
Brandi Hofer, "Brothers," 2020
oil pastel and coloured pencil on paper, 14" x 11" (commissioned portrait, courtesy the artist)
“People are supporting the local scene,” Hofer says. “It’s actually been one of my best years ever.”
Hofer rotates themed works on her website as limited-time offers. Her Oh Canada series, for instance, features snowy landscapes dotted with children and hockey sticks. She also creates commissioned portraits for her clients.
Wallace Galleries in Calgary holds an Annual Mini Christmas Group Show. (courtesy of Wallace Galleries, Calgary)
In Calgary, Wallace Galleries has become more creative with its online presence, says director Colette Hubner. Its Annual Mini Christmas Group Show, viewable by appointment until Dec. 24, includes work by Gregory Hardy, Nancy Boyd, Dorothy Knowles and many others. As well, an online Twelve Days of Christmas video series highlights more works.
“Canadian art is more accessible and affordable,” Hubner says. “We have some amazing artists. It’s so important we support them.”
The art rental and sales office at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton. (courtesy AGA)
At the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton, a Bring It Home Event offers original works by Alberta artists and artisans for under $1,000 through the rental and sales office.
“It’s a great opportunity to purchase affordable art,” says publicity coordinator Kerrie Sanderson. “Another gift idea is a gallery membership.”
A sampling of works from the online shop at the Kootenay Gallery of Art in Castlegar, B.C. (courtesy Kootenay Gallery of Art)
In British Columbia, more people than usual are shopping at the Kootenay Gallery of Art in Castlegar, according to curator Maggie Shirley.
The gallery’s online gift shop, which staff set up in the early days of the pandemic, features an array of local art and handmade crafts.
“It’s important to support local artists, especially during this season when they depend on markets to make their living,” says Shirley.
She says some local artists are already looking for new ways to support themselves.
“Our artists add to the quality of life in the Kootenays,” says Shirley. “We don’t want to lose that.”
Leila Stogan, Salish woven shawl (courtesy Stó:lô Gift Shop and Native Northwest)
Tucked away on Coqualeetza land in Chilliwack, B.C., is the Stó:lô Gift Shop, stocked with Indigenous arts and crafts, primarily by Coast Salish artists. Shoppers can stop by on weekdays or shop online for cedar woven hats, carvings, jewelry, clothing and prints.
“We have unique gift ideas,” says shop supervisor Nordina Newton. “We buy directly from artists and support ethical treatment.”
Some galleries are selling experiences rather than objects. For instance, at the Nanaimo Art Gallery on Vancouver Island, artist Lee Stead is offering one-hour art parties via Zoom. Stead provides instructions on how to make a clay selfie or an animal – and, no worries, the clay is delivered right to people's doorsteps.
Vancouver’s Lower Mainland has lots of places to shop creatively for the holidays.
For Indigenous gifts, check out the Museum of Surrey, which sponsors the Virtual Coast Salish Christmas Craft Market until Dec. 19, or the Lattimer Gallery, which offers a variety of Northwest Coast Indigenous art through its online shop.
The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver has set up its first holiday shop with artisan products and curated gift boxes, while the Vancouver Art Gallery offers art books and creative children’s gifts that can be purchased online or on site. For something different, take a look at the Jack Bush umbrellas and Harold Town masks.
Work by Mary Fox, a potter in Ladysmith, B.C. (courtesy Circle Craft, Vancouver)
The popular holiday market organized by the Circle Craft artist co-operative was cancelled this year, but its Granville Island shop is offering artisan products made by some 130 B.C. craftspeople, including Vancouver Island potter Mary Fox, who recently published her memoirs.
Circle Craft has launched a #ShopYourCircle campaign, challenging people to buy presents from artists and businesses within 50 kilometres of their home.
“By shopping handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans, you can feel good knowing that you are directly supporting people in your own community,” the cooperative says. “Plus, in-person shopping gives you the opportunity to get into the festive spirit and discover hidden gems, all while skipping the headache of shipping fees and delays.” ■
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