The Bashaw Art Club held their first art show and sale in two years on May 1, at the Happy Gang Centre.
Well over 100 people came through the sale, according to club president Laurie Hall.
Of the 188 paintings shown, 55 were sold.
The event raised $200 to be donated to a Ukrainian relief charity, through the sale of magnets and canvases painted with sunflowers — the national flower of Ukraine.
“That went over really well,” said Hall. “People didn’t hesitate to purchase one or two at a time.”
There was good weather, a good turnout and good presentations from all their artists, she added.
The art club members meet every Tuesday, starting at 10:30 a.m., in their space on the top floor of the Happy Gang Centre.
Members work independently on their on projects, although the group is always willing to help out a fellow artist if they’re stuck or needing ideas.
The meeting is fairly casual. You’re free to bring a lunch, or come and go, and stay as long as you’d like.
The space has lots of work tables as well as a lunch area and an extra storage room for crafting supplies.
Hall said aspiring artists of any skill level can join. To become a member, all one needs to do is pay the $25 membership due that goes towards rent for their space.
There are currently about 21 members, and maybe only three of them live in Bashaw, so members from neighbouring communities are welcome. Some current members hail from Edberg, Mirror, and closer to Ponoka.
The club goes on two retreats a year: one in spring and a camping trip in the summer.
Anyone interesting in learning more about the club can attend their annual general meeting in September, or call Mary Marcella at 780-372-4341, or Hall at 780-678-9224.
