Galleries unite to support local nonprofits
BY YANNA LANTZ
With the holiday season right around the corner, the Sun Valley Gallery Association (SVGA) is getting in the spirit of giving through their annual après-ski Giving Walk. This special Gallery Walk will be held Friday, Nov. 25, from 4–6 p.m. throughout Ketchum and will support three local nonprofit organizations: The Advocates, the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley and The Hunger Coalition.
“The Giving Walk offers residents and visitors the opportunity to engage with world-class visual art while supporting organizations that make a vital difference to the Wood River Valley during the holidays and throughout the year,” states a recent release from the SVGA.
SVGA is composed of nine member galleries: Broschofsky Galleries, Fredric Boloix Fine Arts, Friesen Gallery, Gail Severn Gallery, Gilman Contemporary, Harvey Art Projects USA, Kneeland Gallery, Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Wood River Fine Arts.
Each gallery will have a collection bin where Giving Walk participants can donate throughout the weekend. The Advocates is seeking used clothing for resale at the Attic Thrift Store and new clothing or toys for their Giving Tree drive. To support the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, donate pet food or supplies such as dog treats and stuffed toys. Finally, The Hunger Coalition is asking for donations of canned or boxed nonperishable food.
All three of the local nonprofits are instrumental to the community, and the Giving Walk gives locals a chance to give back.
“We feel the significance of the Giving Walk is to unite our community in the spirit of giving before the busy holiday season ensues,” said SVGA president L’Anne Gilman. “The Giving Walk is an easy way for the community to show support for any one (or all three) of these local organizations while socializing and visiting the SVGA galleries that work hard to provide new exhibitions for our community to enjoy.”
Sip a glass of wine or bubbly while perusing the galleries’ new exhibitions. At Gilman Contemporary, enjoy a curated exhibition featuring a selection of new work by Anke Schofield, Hunt Slonem and other gallery painters.
“Schofield’s passion for photography is the foundation of her mixed-media works,” states a release from Gilman Contemporary. “Adjusting the scale of the photographic imagery creates playful compositions that typically utilize flora and fauna. Adding graphic elements and often applying paint on top of the photographs creates a depth and texture adding to their story.”
Currently on exhibit at Friesen Gallery is “WEST WORK,” an exciting exhibition by artist Piper O’Neill.
“‘WEST WORK’ is a celebration of the cowboy, a nod to the rugged West and a glimpse into our inherited histories through a nostalgic lens,” states Friesen Gallery.
Other Ketchum galleries, who are not members of the Sun Valley Gallery Association, will also be open for the upcoming Giving Walk. Head to Silvercreek Art or MESH Gallery to view more outstanding exhibitions.
Join the community and local art aficionados for the upcoming Giving Walk and support three of the Valley’s essential nonprofits. To learn more about the Sun Valley Gallery Association, their member galleries and this event, visit svgalleries.org or email info@svgalleries.org.