Auction keeps Port Colborne art gallery going strong
An annual art auction is an opportunity for people to buy original and unique works of art for their homes from well-known south Niagara artists, and it helps keep the host gallery open.
“I am sure there will be more than 400 items up for auction this year. We have wonderful pieces of art for the wall,” said Joyce Honsberger, founder of Arts Place Gallery in Port Colborne.
The gallery’s annual auction takes place Sunday, April 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with doors open at noon.
Admission is $2 in advance and $2.50 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the gallery ahead of time.
Honsberger said artists have been very generous this year.
“These are well-known artists. So if you’re just starting into art, want a change or just want to support the gallery … there are wonderful pieces.”
Honsberger said the auction is important to the gallery.
“We wouldn’t be here without the support of all the artists, volunteers and patrons.”
The gallery was founded in
1992 after Honsberger and her husband bought the building, a former gas station called Arts Automotive, at 714 King St. She needed studio space for herself and a gallery as well. It opened in March 1992 with about 10 artists working together, exhibiting in the space and working on pieces in the studio.
“There were no places for artists to exhibit,” she said, adding there are still not many places today even with a thriving arts community in Port Colborne.
The gallery now has nine core artists, with artists on consignment, former members, volunteers and honorary members all contributing work.
Honsberger said people can bid ahead of time and come in and preview the works on April 6 and 7 from noon to 4 p.m.