Art From the Attic, a giant one-day sale of new and recycled works of art, will take place on Saturday, September 3 at the Invermere Community Centre.

This exciting new event is being hosted by two community groups – the Columbia Valley Arts Council and the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary, which operates the local thrift store to raise funds for the Invermere and District Hospital.

Proceeds from the sale will be shared between the two groups, and anything remaining at the end of the day will be returned to the thrift store.

To support this initiative, the District of Invermere has kindly donated the use of the community centre. Organized by Elinor Florence, the sale will attract donations of art that is no longer appreciated by the owner, but may appeal to someone else.

“Almost everyone, including me, has something tucked away in their attic or basement that they don’t want any longer, so this is a chance to recycle it for a good cause,” she said.

Organizers are looking for paintings, prints, posters and photographs. These may include anything from inexpensive items all the way to high-quality original works of art.

“We know there will be plenty to choose from, with prices ranging from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars,” Florence said. “We have already had offers of donations from several well-known valley artists, so this is a chance for the community to enjoy browsing through a really wide selection. There will be something for everyone’s taste.”

The event will attract art-lovers, bargain-hunters, history buffs and the community at large. Anyone who has watched the Antiques Road Show knows that hidden gems can be unearthed in unexpected places, so customers are urged to be on the lookout for rare works of art.

The event will coincide with two other planned events – one at Artym Gallery and the other at effusion art gallery. “We expect that locals and visitors will enjoy a real art weekend by making the rounds and visiting all the local venues that offer art for sale,” Florence said.

Donations are being accepted now and throughout the summer. “Please keep us in mind when doing your spring cleaning!” she added.

Donate your works of art at the following: Invermere Thrift Store, 1313-7th Avenue, during opening hours: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Pynelogs Cultural Centre, Kinsmen Beach in Invermere: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Email Florence at elinor1@telus.net or call her at 250-342-0444 to arrange for free pickup.

Elinor Florence