By Mark Schadenberg
Shop Downtown Woodstock !
When? At this holiday Christmas time and always.
When you're on Dundas Street shopping, consider visiting the Woodstock Art Gallery at 449 Dundas (www.woodstockartgallery.ca).
The reason you should drop by the gallery sometime before Jan. 26 is the current exhibit includes recent acquisitions to the WAG's permanent collection.
I know what you're thinking or wanting to ask, so I will respond to the question. There is a line or two in the City of Woodstock annual budget designed specifically to buying artwork.
Art is also donated to WAG or purchased through funds donated.
According to the What's on Woodstock (WOW) magazine combined issue for November and December: "The WAG is commited to acquisition, conservation, research and exhibition of both historical and contemporary artworks. New acquisitions representing paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints were generously donated and purchased for the permanent collection. The works exemplify the artistic heritage of this area, enriching public knowledge and enjoyment of the arts."
The WAG is a fully renovated former Shoppers Drug Mart store (historic John White building), which has its top amenity as its heating/cooling system designed specifically for preserving art -- both when on display and when in storage.
The gallery's previous location on Hunter Street was terrific in its location next door to the library, but lacked accessibility and space. The new location (opened July 19, 2011) is ideal with its across-the-street proximity to the museum, its expansive increased floor space, and humidity-temperature controlled storage. I know . . . I know there's only one taxpayer, but the majority of the renovation -- or about $3.3 million -- was obtained through a Build Canada grant.
Anyone stopping by WAG must view the prestigious and important Florence Carlyle Collection (40 works).
With winter months upon us, consider joining the WAG through membership, or register for art classes, which are available for adults, beginners, teens and children, or sign up to attend a lecture or workshop.
You can also enquire about the several ways to volunteer.
The first Wednesday of the month is 'WAG It Wednesday' with a different theme for free fun family art time from 6 - 7:30.
When holiday shopping, don't forget the WAG's gift shop.
When thinking about your own family, consider renting art. Art for sale has a price tag assigned by the artist and is essentially sold on consignment.
For more details, email: gallery@city.woodstock.on.ca or call them (519) 539-6761, or . . . visit 449 Dundas.
Note: Artwork pictured here is by Cathy Groulx, who is both a renowned Oxford artist and an instructor at WAG.
Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland
Promoting Woodstock & Area as the Destination to raise your family.
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
(519) 537-1553
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