The Annual Pre-Holiday ‘Itty Bity Art Show and Sale’ Supports Local Artists & Students While Being Accessible to All

Since its establishment in 2005, Arts Carleton Place has been a pillar of the local arts community, offering a stage for artists to display their work and fostering opportunities for the public to interact with the arts. The organization has transformed over the years, narrowing its focus from a broad spectrum of arts to homing in on wall art and artisan crafts, and now proudly comprises 200 members.

The diversity of the group is one of its defining features. Its artists hail from all walks of life, spanning different nationalities and backgrounds, including Canadian, British, Ukrainian, Russian, Caribbean, Pakistani, Indian, and First Nations, among others. The inclusivity also extends beyond nationality, welcoming artists with unique abilities, such as a member with Down Syndrome. This broad range of perspectives contributes to the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic range of artwork produced by the group.

The artistic disciplines represented at Arts Carleton Place are equally diverse and include painters working in oils, acrylics, wax, resins, and mixed media, some of whom have achieved international acclaim. Photographers, some accredited by the Professional Photographers of Canada, are also part of the community, alongside jewellers, woodturners, sculptors, weavers, glass artisans, potters, and writers of illustrated books. The breadth of talent within the membership reflects the richness of artistic expression that the organization champions.

One of the key missions of Arts Carleton Place is to serve both its artists and the community. Their mantra, “empowering artists and area residents through the arts,” underscores their commitment to fostering creativity and artistic appreciation in the region. The organization supports various initiatives, including art therapy programs at Lanark County Interval House and after-school art programs at the local youth centre. They also provide bursaries for graduating students from Carleton Place High School and Notre Dame Catholic High School, ensuring that the next generation of artists has the financial support to pursue their passions.

For the artists, Arts Carleton Place offers multiple opportunities to showcase and sell their work. Two major shows are hosted each year, along with the operation of the Art Hub, a cooperative gallery and studio space. Next year’s Spring Fine Art Show, scheduled for the first weekend in May, will mark the organization’s 20th anniversary, a milestone that will be celebrated with a juried exhibition of exceptional artwork.

The Itty Bitty Art Show and Sale, set to take place in the Upper Great Hall of the Carleton Place Arena on November 16 and 17, is another highlight of the year. With over 50 vendors participating, the event offers free parking and admission, making it an accessible and welcoming space for art lovers. The Itty Bitty Art Show and Sale is an excellent opportunity for attendees to discover and purchase affordable art.

According to Suzanne Deschênes, president of Arts Carleton Place, “There’s nothing that will be over $200, and most of the pieces will probably be in the neighbourhood of $150 or $200, with many more treasures to be found under $50.”

The event will feature a wide variety of art, including painting, sculpture, woodturning, pottery, jewellery, textile arts, and photography, providing a diverse selection for attendees to explore and enjoy.

The Art Hub, located at 50 Bennett Street in Carleton Place, has become a vital resource for both artists and the public. The member-run art store operates five days a week, allowing visitors to buy directly from artists. The Hub also serves as a studio space where artists can work on their own projects or teach classes, further enhancing its role as a creative gathering place. The Hub’s welcoming atmosphere is frequently praised by visitors, who describe it as a “wonderful collection” of creative talent, with a “pleasing” space layout that makes it “actually fun to visit.”

In addition to the events and exhibitions, Arts Carleton Place’s bursary program has grown significantly in recent years and now awards $1,800 to two deserving local high school graduates annually.

Deschênes highlighted the financial challenges faced by aspiring artists, stating, “The materials are expensive—you’ve got to get canvases, you’ve got to get paint, you’ve got to get brushes, and then you need a good camera if you’re working with photography. All of these add up, and many students come from rural communities where access to high-speed internet and supplies is limited, making it even more challenging.” Past recipients have expressed gratitude for the bursary, noting how it has helped them invest in better equipment and continue their education in the arts.

Arts Carleton Place continues to grow, but as a rural arts organization, it faces challenges. Deschênes noted, “A lot of people feel that you can’t earn a living at it, and in rural areas, the realities are harsher, and encouragement is often lacking.” Despite these obstacles, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to nurture the arts and its artists.

Make sure to head to Carleton Place for the Itty Bitty Art Show and Sale to find beautiful, affordable art for your home. When you go, know that you are also supporting the wider local arts community as every purchase helps fund vital programs like the bursary for high school students, encouraging the next generation of artists and sustaining Arts Carleton Place’s broader mission.

Mark your calendar for the Itty Bitty Art Show and Sale on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Great Hall is located on the upper floor of the Carleton Place Arena at 75 Neelin Street, Carleton Place.  

If you can’t attend the show, visit the Art Hub at 50 Bennett Street in Carleton Place – Wesnesdays to Sundays .

For more information on the Itty Bitty Art Show and Sale, Arts Carleton Place or the Art Hub, visit artscarletonplace.com.