Group works to keep Art's Alive! alive

A small committee chaired by La Conner Town Councilman John Leaver is planning the 2014 Art’s Alive! exhibition, now that the Chamber of Commerce has stepped back.

Leaver said he, artist Eve Chomiak, resident Frances Simmonds, artist Patty Weber and gallery owner Dave Cassera are working to put on a “classy, refined show” at Maple Hall Nov. 7 through 9.

So far the group hopes the invitational show will focus more on local artists, with local gallery owners invited to set up displays featuring artists they represent.

Now back under the auspices of the La Conner Arts Commission, Leaver said he hopes the show will be as good as last year “or even better.”

The group is also considering adding a varied entertainment venue and other innovations to the exhibition.

As in the past, there will be hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the opening night party. Also in addition to the invitational exhibit, there will be an open show with all local artists displaying their works for sale.

Leaver said at this time the group is trending away from featuring an “emerging artists” display.

The Arts Commission is fronting the money for the show, he said, and the committee plans to recoup costs and then some.

The Arts Commission will take a percentage of the sale price of each artwork sold. The commission also sponsors an annual sculpture exhibition and uses the sale proceeds to buy public art for the town.