100 Small Paintings at VAC Clarington

See  This Show
November 28th  –  December 21st
OPENING RECEPTION November 28th, 2014 at 7 pm

Small artwork shows are a staple of the holiday season, with participating artists presenting affordable creations for a gift-buying public. Almost every gallery, collective,and studio has one, and they are always entertaining and sometimes rewarding.

I titled the VAC Clarington show 100 Small Paintings  in 1989, back when we were still called The Visual Arts Centre of Newcastle and I had come in as a temporary administrator. My temporary job lasted until 2004 and an evolution of titles through Director and Curator, although it was always the same job really. And the 100 Small Paintings name seemed to be one that stuck. While there are many more than 100 paintings they are, however, all under 18 inches square, and priced below $200. 

So far this is the usual stuff about Christmas art sales. The thing that is special about this show in this particular year is that IT'S FANTASTIC!!! And everybody who can, should go to at least see, or possibly buy, themselves or a loved one a treat. There are works in every medium imaginable and the quality is high, high, high.

In the past the Friday night opening for 100 Small Paintings has been a gloriously festive affair, with music and incredible catering. There is no reason to think that this year will be different. The VAC has been drawing enormous crowds to all of their recent events, so it might be wise to get in early for a preview and pick your treasures ahead of time.

The bar has been raised very high. I am already anticipating that next year the artists will outdo themselves. Certainly it feels like it has happened this year.