March 29, 2024

WrigglesworthCalliepromo

BY CALLIE WRIGGLESWORTH

Organizers of the BOX Art Show and Sale invite guests from all over Waterloo Region to join them for a free weekend filled with art, food and fun.
The regional show began in 2009, and takes place annually.
“The function of the show is to help promote visual arts in the Waterloo Region,” said Cathy Farwell, BOX Art founder and general organizer.
Local artists submit four pieces of art, which include sculptures, photographs, paintings and media.
“The work is diverse and it’s from artists all over the region,” Farwell said.
The art is then judged by a panel of art professionals and those who are chosen submit additional art to BOX. This year, 33 artists have been chosen to participate.
“Each of those artists will have an average of about eight works of art on display at BOX, so it’s a really big show,” Farwell said.
People submitting art must be residents of Waterloo Region. Artists of all experience levels are welcome to submit their creations. Artists are given the opportunity to display and sell their work, and are also offered help to develop their skills.
Each year, BOX joins with a different charitable organization and invites them to be a part of their team. This year, the chosen charity is the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region. The charity’s statement, “Helping People with Disabilities Achieve Independence,” is in line with Box’s goal of assisting local artists. The artists of BOX give 20 per cent of their sales back to the charity.
“It is an amazing, high-calibre show, but it doesn’t have any of the intimidation factors that often keep people from going to art galleries,” Farwell said. “It’s a lot of fun and people are always surprised when they go in … it’s a very different thing for Waterloo Region.”
The BOX Art Show and Sale, being held at 41A Ardelt Place in Kitchener, is a free event and open to the public on Nov. 16 and 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Before the show, there are free talks that the public may attend, and people can also pre-order a $5 gourmet lunch. Artists will be present to answer guests’ questions.
For more information about the art show and sale, go to www.boxartshow.ca