The art of big ideas is thinking small.
The Quesnel Art Gallery (QAG) and the Quesnel Arts Council know all about the big gestures, with their constant and ongoing slate of exhibitions, concerts, workshops, community programs and other bold statements.
But they also know, from within the heart of every true creator, that the biggest songs come from simple chords, the most sweeping paintings come from the finest points of pencils and brushes, the most epic tales are all arranged from 26 letters of the alphabet.
This is why they never forget the small stuff, and there isn’t much smaller in scope but bigger in philosophy than their Little Free Art Galleries.
“As the snow melts away and the flowers start to bloom, we welcome the arrival of spring. It’s the perfect time to explore the beauty of our town and all that it has to offer. While out and about with family or friends, be sure to make a trip to one of our wonderful Little Free Art Galleries,” said Shae Lightening, the gallery assistant at the QAG.
These galleries are in the same stream as those miniature libraries that are now becoming common across northern B.C., where little outdoor shelving units contain books for taking, donating or trading by anyone at all, at any hour of the day or night, absolutely free of charge.
The QAG maintains two of these display cases, where the public can appreciate the art on display, but they can also reach in and go home with a piece you like or drop off a piece someone else might like. It’s okay, you can touch it, you can take it, you can enjoy art in that small, organic way. That’s what it’s there for.
“Located in front of Big Country Printers and the Arts & Rec Centre, these Little Free Art Galleries offer a unique opportunity for artists of all ages to showcase their talents,” Lightening said. “The little galleries are waiting to be filled with tiny works of art, and we encourage everyone to participate in this wonderful project.”
Yes, there has been vandalism. It’s a natural question when one contemplates vulnerable public displays of any kind. Repairs have had to be made, and re-stocking the shelves has to be done. Some steps have been taken to minimize the potential damage. But part of the power of these little art spaces is the lack of armour. Art is not, at its core, meant to be guarded and glassed in.
“Imagine walking by and discovering a tiny piece of art that brightens up your day. This is the magic of the Tiny Free Galleries, and we are excited to see the creativity of our community on display,” Lightening said. “Whether you are a professional artist or just starting out, we invite you to create something special and contribute to our Little Free Galleries. Let’s celebrate the beauty of spring and the creativity of our community by filling these little galleries with wonderful tiny art.”
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