Art and Craft Gala growing in size

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

In one week’s time, Strathmore will set the stage for what digital artist and event organizer Larry Guterson hopes will be the largest art event in the town’s history.
So far, over 60 tables have already been secured by artists from near and far, including approximately five local artists, and many local businesses are also throwing their support behind the Strathmore Art and Craft Gala.
While the gala moonlights as a fundraiser for the EvenStart Children Foundation, which focuses on young children who fell victim to abuse, poverty, or neglect, the event is also a celebration of art.
Guterson has acted as the artistic consultant for the foundation for years and has seen firsthand the calming effects and therapeutic benefits art has had on young children affected by trauma and mistreatment. Aware of the foundation’s need within Calgary and its surrounding areas, Guterson decided to support the organization through a $3 entry fee into the event on May 18-19, organizing the gala to showcase talent in Strathmore, Wheatland County and throughout southern Alberta, and even donated a $2,500 print on silk for the silent auction.
“It’s just my civic community duty to preach art anywhere I show up I guess, I love art, I love the community and I think it really gives me a good feeling in my heart when I do something good for the charity,” Guterson said.
“It’s about the kids first, it’s about my vendors second and it’s about me last. I have an obligation to the kids, I have an obligation to the vendors, and I have an obligation to the community to do the best I can … which I’m trying to do.”
According to Guterson the president of the Alberta Society of Artists (ASA), has already confirmed his attendance. Although he said artists are coming from many surrounding communities, such as members from the Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery in Cochrane, nine artists will be showcased as feature artists at the event, including Strathmore’s Dianne Gauvreau, known by her artist name “Govrox.” The award-winning artist has resided in Strathmore for over 30 years, although she recently moved to the outskirts, and had her work included in the Art Box Project in New York earlier this year. As the gala will highlight a large range of different types of art and techniques from wood carving, to jewellery, to oil-based paintings, Gauvreau will arrive at the event with 50 pieces in tow – too many to display in her area at one time. She said she is thrilled about the opportunity to show her work as well as connect and share with other artists.
“It’s exciting because everybody encourages themselves in the art world,” said Gauvreau. “If somebody would like to know how this is done, it’s allowed, it’s all out on the Internet now, you don’t have to hide anything. You share your experiences with other artists and you sometimes get guidance, which is awesome.”
Other feature artists are First Nations artist Kalum Teke Dan, wildlife photographer Joe Desjardins, painter Jim Prescot, photographer Gord Hiebert, and Alberta wood turner Ken Hawtin.
The day will also dole out door prizes and launch a silent auction on May 19. Guterson is still looking for more artists and vendors, with a capacity of 120.
The Strathmore Art and Craft Gala will take place on May 18 from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a silent auction starting at 3 p.m. that day. The event will be held at the Strathmore Civic Centre and Strathmore High School, with a $3 entry fee being directly donated to the EvenStart Children Foundation. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or for more information contact Larry Guterson at artistcat123@gmail.com