The first weekend in December is almost upon us, and that can only mean one thing--It's time for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show! This show, which has been dubbed "Everyone's Favourite Little Show" has become a Woodstock institution since its inception ten years ago.While many art collectors try to collect pieces as investments, what's cool about the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show is that it promotes buying what you like, rather than just a name. The 2008 show attracted more than 220 participating artists, and the roster continues to grow every year.
On the eve of the first Friday in December artphiles line up along Tinker Street in front of Byrdcliffe. After paying their $10 admission fee (the event is a benefit for WBG), buyers receive a number and gain entrance to the Kleinart/James Arts Center gallery in groups to keep the pandemonium at a minimum. Once you're in, you better have pen and paper ready to write down the numbers of your favorite pieces, as they will sell like hotcakes. It's the Olympics of art buying, the only difference is that the spectator is the athlete and no one knows who created the work until it's paid for up front. Every piece sells for $100, and the proceeds go towards all the programs that the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild provides artists and the community. That means for only 100 bucks you can pick up a Milton Glaser, Portia Munson or a Joe Schmo from down the street. No matter, there's something for everyone and it all goes to a great cause. In the words of WBG Executive Director Carla Smith, "This is the most popular show in Woodstock." The 2009 event takes place Friday, December 4 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. and includes a delicious nosh buffet. Don't be left out in the cold, though. Lineup usually starts around 4. For more information, visit http://www.woodstockguild.org/.
No comments:
Post a Comment