When Avon Valley Arts Society Inc. (AVAS) took on the Shire of Northam’s pop-up shop opportunity, it was supposed to be for only three months.
Nine months later, the time has come for a change and AVAS has now made way for another venture to try the space for size.
AVAS president Cliff Simpson said the pop-up shop provided a rare chance to display and sell art, run skills sessions, demonstrations and hold meetings on the main street in Northam.
It in uncertain where the organisation will relocate but it will still have a presence at the Northam Visitors Centre.
“We thank those members who volunteered their valuable time to assist at the shop,” he said.
“Committee members did the lion’s share of the work and without them this venture would not have got off the ground.
“I encourage anyone seeking to find a market for their goods to give this opportunity a go.”
Cliff said the prestigious Act Belong Commit Northam Art Prize 2017 held in September was a big hit for the group.
The show format was changed this year with the exhibition open to the public on two weekends, and mid-week by appointment only.
Guests from Juniper Aged Care were welcomed to a private showing on Wednesday, September 6.
“The Best in Show Acquisition Award went to Avon Valley artist Kaye Devlin for her mixed media piece Garden of Sentinels,” Cliff said.
The work will be on display at the Northam Visitor Centre for the next twelve months, after which it will join the collection.
The exhibition was held at Northam Town Hall and opened by Shire President Steven Pollard. MC for the night was Cr Ulo Rumjantsev.
Northam artists Tanya Cleveland won Second Prize and People’s Choice Award, Tom de Munk Kerkmeer received the Local Artist prize and Glen Ingram with Best Work Depicting the Wheatbelt.
Highly Commended were given to local artists John Klassek and Martin Carter, and Mundaring artist Neil Elliott.
RSM Australia’s Acquisition Award was won by Keith Hockley and Holly Lamey of Grass Valley received the Highly Commended.
The Annual General Meeting will take place this year at the Lesser Town Hall on Sunday October 29 at 2pm.
Members and interested parties can attend but only financial members can vote.