Monday, August 25, 2008

Gift of Art Gallery-My dream come true!

24th sept Some lovely resene paint on the walls & our flag




Here she is....'Gift of Art Gallery' 239b Colombo Street Beckenham Christchurch NZ

Keep posted to see the trasformation!

before photo

Hi my name is Shelly van Soest. I am a full-time mother and part-time Artist mainly painting in acrylic mixed media. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Diploma of Secondary Teaching in Art & Photography. Click here to view my artwork blog http://www.shellyvansoestartist.blogspot.com/

Well I have done it.... I have signed my life away, well for 12 months anyway. It's scarey & exciting. I have been overwhelmed by the number of Artists that are interested and the support from everyone.

For the last few years I have dreamt of owning/running a 100% Artist friendly Gallery.

Alot of Artists I have spoken too find some parts of the artworld challenging and off putting. I myself am not comfortable approaching Galleries with regards to my own work, yet I am the complete opposite when I think of this venture.

Gift of Art Gallery is going to be run just like a regular Gallery with beautiful artworks by very talented emerging new Zealand Artists. The difference is that this is an opportunity for the Artists to recieve 100% for there efforts and market themselves, rather than give their work to someone else who puts it on a wall and takes 50%.

Some Artists will benefit by learning how to exhibit (for those who have not before) and receive advice and information about other ways of marketing their Artwork. Some Artists have more experience than others in different areas, so we will help each other-give advice and sell work at the same time.
Local Artists will be asked to help run the Gallery if they can, this will give great experience in learning to talk about their work and technique/style/inspiration also learn about other Artist's work, and running a business.

Out of town Artists are invited to join also, they will be asked to pay a small Gallery fee to help with the extra running costs.

Artists pay an annual fee to become a member of the Gallery (non refundable) there is then an exhibiting fee per Artwork so when a piece is sold the Artist receives the full amount!.

Think of it this way, sell one or two works and your fees are paid for the year, then the rest of your sales are directly into your pocket.

The other reason I wanted this space is so I can set up a Trust to provide FREE Art lessons for children with illness, disability or unhappy circumstances. the space will be a Gallery primarily but there is space for a table and chairs to teach a small group (up to six).

This will be provided after school hours or in the weekends and will begin term one 2009

Please email us if you know of a child in Christchurch that could benefit from some creative fun!.

Keep in touch with us, exhibiting Artist website links will be added soon and photos of the Gallery as we re-decorate and get some art on the walls.

Please contact me at gift-of-art@hotmail.com or phone 033316400 if you would like more information.

Shelly :)

YOUR INVITED....PASS IT ON!


Artwork-'Candy cane' by Kirsty Black

MORE NEWS!

We have decided to run Adult art classes from the Gallery.

The first Workshop is going to be on Sat October 11th 10-12pm 12.30-2.30pm

'Abstract painting' with fellow Artist & Tutor Marie Smutts-Kennedy

Marie has a B.F.A and Diploma of Teaching and is an amazing Artist.

Hurry book now if you are interested....limited spaces available.

$45 inc materials.

We will be offering more workshops and classes in the future:

Life Drawing

Drawing

Mixed media Painting


Keep posted for more information.