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Petit Noel a snapshot of northern Ontario artwork

'You get this mix of different themes and levels of expertise and it comes together really nicely'

Attention all art lovers interested in supporting area artists!

The annual Petit Noel exhibit and sale is currently underway at the Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander.

“It is a mix of table pieces, arts and crafts, pottery, photography, paintings et cetera. It is basically a mix of anything at all,” explained curator Natasha Wiatr.

“We usually have between 30 and 50 people participate. This year we had 43 at last count so that is a fantastic number, many are returning artists but many are new as well which is always great to see.”

Wiatr calls it a unique show.

“It is a bit of a snapshot of northern Ontario artwork. You get framed and unframed, and you get acrylics, watercolour, oil, photography, ceramics, and stained glass. You just get a real mix of everything, and at different levels. You get beginners and the hobbyist but full-time professional painters as well. So you get this mix of different themes and levels of expertise and it comes together really nicely.”

The artists generally come from North Bay, Callander, Sudbury, South River, and Powassan areas.

“Anybody can participate and that is the beauty of this show and why it is so unique and fun because we don’t know what is going to show up. We don’t know who is going to show up, but it always comes together so wonderfully and everything just compliments one another. “

The show opening gave artists and art lovers the opportunity to reconnect and discuss their work.

“They haven’t seen each other in person for so long, so to be able to talk about the art and look at the art is a wonderful thing,” added Wiatr.

Joanna Perry, submitted two paintings; A Winter Night, and  Nature Gnome.

“My friend told me all about this, so I said I would give it a try. I have chickened out in the past, but this year I decided to give it a whirl,” Perry laughed.

“I’m surprised by how many people are here, and there are so many nice displays.”

Long-time participant Marc Buchanan enjoys working in acrylics and watercolours.

“I think it is a wonderful opportunity to see the high quality of work by our local artists. I find it really exciting and it seems to get better year after year after year,” shared Buchanan who enjoys being able to exhibit his work again.

“It feels good to be out and meeting people and other artists.”

This was Janyce Mantha’s first time visiting Petit Noel.

“I find it really interesting, I wasn’t aware there were so many talented artists in the area. The pictures are amazing, actually, all of it is quite amazing to see. I initially came down to support my friend who is an artist, but I am impressed by everything I have seen.”

Art pieces are available for immediate purchase through the gallery.

“We do request that if possible, for paintings, they stay on the wall until the end of the show or near the end of the show. But if you’re from out of town and you have to take it that day, that is fine,” Wiatr explained.   

The show runs until Dec. 17 at the Alex Dufresne Art Gallery located in the same building as the Callander Bay Heritage Museum on Lansdowne Street in Callander.