An emerging artist that carves steampunk-themed animals was one of the many artists showing off at the Back Alley Tour, an art show hosted by Main Street Melfort.
“We have a very amazing group of artists in this part of Saskatchewan and you don’t see them a lot,” said Jim Mason, who recently won the Gale Steck Memorial Award for Excellence in Craft by an Emerging Artist. “They’re not out there and more things like this going on is going to get them to come out.”
The July 20 event was organized by Sandra Dancey, the owner of the Northern Lights Gallery. She said that it’s important for local artists to get out there, show off their work and meet others.
“As much fun as it is for the public, it’s just as much fun for the artists because they meet other artists and exchange ideas and it’s really good for everybody.”
Mason agreed.
“You always see what other people are doing and you pick little pieces that are going to work. You don’t copy it or anything. Even with the painting artists that are here, you can often get ideas, design, colour and things from them.”
He added that he saw four or five new people he didn’t know were artists.
Mason said he’s not quite sure how he started as an artist.
“I started to carve a fish and didn’t like it, so I decided to do something crazy with it.”
The art gallery owner, who used her connections to bring artists to the event, said it has been in the works for about a year.
Along with Mason was Pat Davidson, a former Marvel artist who was drawing caricatures; a henna tattoo artist; someone who reworked old jewellery; and somebody who created funky t-shirts using a sewer cover.
Dancey said the local businesses that were located along the alley between Burrows and McLeod Avenues were also supportive.
“It’s nice that there are so many businesses in this little corner of town that were just on board instantly.”
Carmen Milenkovic, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, was also at the event. She said it gave local artists the chance to show off their work and a chance to build relationships.
“Art is all about building relationships. Someone could come in here and buy a piece and fall in love with it, but if they actually get to meet the artist, it just makes it an even stronger bond and they’ll go back to that artist or recommend that artist to their friends.”
Dancey said she’s hoping the Back Alley Tour will became an annual event.
“Kudos to all of the local artists that are so willing to come out and really like the concept of getting together. It’s nice to encourage all of the artists, to remind people how many talented people we have out here.”
