Artists with a powerful and much-loved Saanich program are building a tradition in its Victoria gallery, inviting collectors and newcomers alike to its ArtWorks holiday opening.
For years the program, run by the Garth Homer Society, showcased works on the halls of its Darwin Avenue site. In 2021 the organization quietly opened ArtWorks – a studio and gallery home to 16 artists at 2-1950 Government St.
“Now that we have a location downtown, we’re starting to do more and more art shows like we have in the past,” society CEO Geoffrey Ewert told Victoria News.
Garth Homer supports individuals with diverse needs in a variety of areas with a focus on community inclusion, services for people who are aging, employment and residential.
“ArtWorks is huge. It’s one of our most high-demand programs in the south Island and I think one of the reasons it’s so important is it recognizes the people in the program as artists first and not as supported individuals,” Ewart said. “None of us like to be categorized in a way that is not about who we feel we are.”
The site in the downtown arts district proved popular almost immediately upon opening in 2021. While health concerns at the time kept things low-key, the site quickly developed a following, selling an item almost immediately to a passerby. Sold through the window, it was the start of recognition both locally and globally, Ewart said.
“We’ve got a number of collectors of the artwork that the artists do.”
Many will likely be on hand as artists offer demonstrations, works for sale and a silent auction during the annual Paint the Halls event on Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at ArtWorks Gallery, 2-1950 Government St.
“It’s really looking to get the artwork out there and seen. I think a lot of the time people would see artwork in a gallery or an art show but don’t know it’s coming from our ArtWorks program,” he said. “This is our invitation to come in and get to know us … but also just a great social event.”
