ANNUAL ART SHOW

The Art from the Heart show and sale originally grew out of the needs of a small core group of artists who participated in free drop-in art classes (“The Artists’ Circle”) offered for the past ten years by the St. Matthews-Maryland Community Ministry. The Artists’ Circle was looking for a way to move forward and provide new opportunities for its artists, and the idea for a show emerged. The Spence Neighbourhood Association, seeing the potential for the exhibition to assist neighbourhood artists while making a positive contribution to the area’s image, came on board as partners in the endeavour.

Now in its seventh year, the goal of this exhibition is to create a venue where low-income artists can supplement their income in an atmosphere that allows artists the chance to exhibit their work and share their vision with a wider public. Art From the Heart takes place every November at the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre (MERC) on Langside St. just south of Ellice Ave in Winnipeg, MB. We charge no admission fees and take no commission. All the money generated from exhibition sales goes directly to the artists.

In 2004, one hundred and one artists participated in the show and over five hundred people attended the Friday evening/Saturday exhibition. Sales totaled over $4000, all of which went directly to the artists. Media interest in the show was high and six participating artists were featured in print, radio and television spots. In 2005, a new video component was added to the exhibition, enabling us to highlight the work of seven individuals or groups of video-based artists.

Art from the Heart is officially co-sponsored by the St. Matthews-Maryland Community Ministry and the Spence Neighbourhood Association. A dedicated committee of volunteers and occasional contract staff organize the annual show and related projects.