Showcase for all artists at 6x6 auction
It’s a big year for the Best Damn Little Art Auction.
The annual event requires artwork to be no larger than six inches by six inches, and this is its sixth year.
It is lovingly called “The 6x6” but for this edition it could be called the 6x6x6 when you account for the years of service.
“It’s different this year because we are holding it for the first time at the Omineca Arts Centre and we have a band playing as well, Folky Strum Strum will be providing the music,” said Lisa Redpath, the program manager for the Community Arts Council, the agency that organizes the popular show and sale.
The call for entry is now open for this year’s 6x6. The show is one night only, May 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. so artists can begin now to prepare their entries. It is a non-juried show that grew last year to more than 200 pieces. The intake dates are May 4 and 5 for pieces to go on display.
It is an event that welcomes all levels of art, from beginner to master.
“This event is a fundraiser to a degree, but what it really does is bring the arts community together,” said Redpath. “It has set precedence for collaboration, and it’s a unique format that really has become beloved by the artists and the public alike. These are little treasures.
“The community loves to support these artists because they can make purchases in ways maybe they can’t at a traditional art auction. You can get a great deal on your favourite artist, or you can be one of the first to buy an emerging artist’s work and give them that boost.
“It’s a great way for the high- profile artist and the new artist to meet each other on a level playing field, a fun playing field, and have a place together.”
Each year the CAC discovers new talent, via the Best Damn Little Art Auction and it inspires unheralded artists to step out into the public eye, because it is an authentic baby step.
“The first step toward being a commercial artist is to put your work forward for sale,” said Redpath encouragingly.
Anyone interested in including a piece of art or two (three is the maximum) is reminded to have it prepared upon drop-off at the Community Arts Council office (the gift shoppe at Studio 2880) for hanging on a wall.
For each item that sells, 50 per cent of the price goes to the CAC and the other 50 per cent goes to the artist. Any unsold pieces will be returned to the artist.
The work does not have to be a painting, but for those who wish to use this medium, 6x6 canvas can be purchased at Ridge Side Art at a discounted price if it is for the purpose of this event.
To indicate your interest in having pieces at The 6x6, or to ask any questions about the event, send an email to