Peace Gallery North seeing a boost in attendance ahead of newest exhibit opening

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Peace Gallery North has seen an increase in attendance at its exhibit openings over the past few months and is looking to continue that trend with a new display to kick off 2024.

The gallery attributes the increased attendance to promotion, marketing, sponsoring around town and social media, according to gallery curator Florencia Ormeno.

She added that the exhibit openings usually have an attendance of around 30 people, but lately, it has been as high as 50 or more. 

People who come to the gallery are usually locals of Fort St. John, but artists invite people to come from Dawson Creek and all around the Peace region, which has also contributed to the increased turnout. 

The gallery’s newest exhibit, Woolen Canvas: Artistry in the Fibre, is presented by The Hookers of Rugs and Wool Artists.

The members of Hookers of Rugs and Wool Artists include Emily Hedges, Miep Bergerjon, Shelley Nickels, Bev Baker, Lindsay Jardine and Eliza Massey Standford.

Ormeno describes the new exhibit as “decorative.” 

“Pieces are going to be more decorative, some pieces are going to be hanging on the walls, some pieces are going to be on the light fixtures,” she said. 

The opening for the new exhibit is this Friday, January 5th, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is free and will include food, beverages and live music. The exhibit will run until January 27th.

Other events coming to the Gallery in January include Kids Art Gallery, Tiny Book Reading, Art For All, Monthly Paint Nights, Drawing Classes with Tanya Grega, and Paint Night with Ken Lane.