The heART of the matter

Haley Ryan - Arts Reporter

January 25, 2012 6:00 AM ADT

This Valentine’s Day, you might find a gift for that special someone in an ordinary old balloon.

In a couple of weeks, Gallery Connexion is having its first “Put Your Heart Into Art” fundraiser since the non-profit centre moved to the York Street location. In the past, the event has drawn huge crowds because of the opportunity to give back to Fredericton’s only artist-run gallery. Megan MacKay, education and outreach coordinator, has high hopes for a good turnout this February.

“It’s been on vacation for a while,” MacKay said, “but it gives great exposure to the artists in the community, and it’s a good party too.”

On Feb. 11, one of the walls in the venue will be filled with balloons, which all have a slip of paper attached to them that corresponds with a piece of donated artwork.

You can buy a ticket for $75, grab yourself a dart and take aim for whatever balloon you like. Then, retrieve your slip of paper from the popped balloon, and head over to a counter to get your piece of art.

This is where the fun begins; however, you can choose to keep your artwork, or trade with someone else, kind of like in a Yankee Swap.

MacKay said since more than 50 artists responded to the call for art pieces, with some donating more than one, there is a great variety of mediums to chose from and swap.

With a fundraiser like this, an added bonus of buying a ticket is that you might just run into the artist who made the piece you take home.

One of these talented locals, Ann Manuel, is donating a print made from a copper etching, worth a lot more than what you’ll pay for a ticket.

However, Manuel said she’s glad to support the gallery, and encourages everyone to do the same because she considers Gallery Connexion a valuable resource.

“They fulfill a need not met by any other gallery,” Manuel said. “You’re going to see ... work that’s supposed to challenge your thinking, and we’re a richer community for it.”

If photography is more up your alley, you can keep a look out for three nicely framed pieces from WhiteFeather Hunter’s latest series, entitled “Ossa.”

All of the shots are black & white and most show bones, leaves, or deceased animals. Although perhaps not a traditional Valentine present, and done in the memento mori tradition, meaning “remember you will die,” the photos are striking and unique.

If you don’t have $75 for a balloon, but still want to support the gallery, you can come for the party and only pay $20.

There will be food, wine and music, so there’s a lot to do if you want to have fun and look at great art.

“If you can offer people a really enjoyable night, I think they’ll come out,” Hunter said.

You can buy tickets for “Put Your Heart Into Art” at Gallery Connexion, which is located downtown in the Chestnut Complex on York St. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Feb.11.

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