Hello! We hosted the grand opening of our neighbourhood’s mini art gallery this weekend. When Black Star Studios opened their mini art gallery downtown last year, I thought it was the most wonderful, creative, hilarious idea and set out to build one for our neighbourhood. Over the past few months, we dug a hole at the edge of my property right behind a bank of mailboxes, installed a post and finally mounted the art gallery.
Once the gallery was installed, my mom and I walked around the neighbourhood and delivered invitations to the opening, which included mini canvases to get people started on making their own art.
On opening day (Sunday, Nov. 16), we had mini cookies and little cups of hot chocolate (with whipped cream) as refreshments. Roughly 30 neighbours attended throughout the hour, with some bringing art they’d created!
People were excited about the gallery! One local teenager had already left a drawing before the opening: she’s eager to leave more art, and was excited when I suggested we have a mini art show featuring her work. She’d been walking her art down to Black Star’s gallery regularly, and is delighted to have a new one so close to her home. A local home-based daycare plans to do an “art gallery takeover” at some point, featuring art from the kids. Some senior-age ladies were excited to create Christmas-themed art and decorations for December.
After the grand opening, a mother of twin five-year-olds sent me a photo of her boys making more art at home: one has asked for clay for Christmas so he can make sculptures for the gallery.
I am thrilled to make the most of my new role as Volunteer Mini Art Gallery Curator & will host soirees and other events in the future.
Our neighbourhood has many families, with kids of all ages, as well as retired seniors and the day care. The gallery has already become a gathering place and an opportunity to connect. I am so happy to see this project completed & very grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grants fund for supporting it! Thank you.
