There’s a new art gallery on the scene and it’s ready for action exactly one day a week.
Art on the Corner is the brainchild of photographer Mark Pesklewis. He hopes to capitalize on the Saturday traffic that passes right in front of his home on Sturgeon Road as people walk and drive to and from the St. Albert Farmers’ Market.
He operates his studio called Big Picture Photography along with a custom framing shop right out of his home. It’s a big place, he said, and at some point he came to realize that there are a lot of artists who might appreciate having some more exhibition space around town.
After being involved with the Night of Artists event and having some of his photographs on display at The Enjoy Centre a few years ago, someone came to him with an idea.
“This is an evolution of the whole Hole’s thing. I don’t know who mentioned it first … ‘Why don’t you turn the front of the house into a gallery?’”
After first testing out the idea three years ago, he took a bit of a hiatus that included only one show last June. “It was really cool,” he said. “It was a success but it was a lot of work. I pretty much put everything up myself. It went over great. Everyone was certainly impressed with the food, the wine, and the art.”
Now, the show and sale is back and ready to make its mark regularly for the rest of this summer. He’s also hoping to make some new art contacts too. He has opened the doors to any artist to approach him about getting in on the event and exhibiting their works in the future.
All they have to do is ask, he said.
“I thought why don’t I just have it open to artists. If they want to sell, they just can come. I’m going to set up every Saturday and any artists that want to contact me, I’m all ears. If they sell, they pay me a commission. If they don’t, nobody loses. Hopefully, everybody enjoys. That’s where I’m at.”
Musicians are also encouraged to inquire about performing during the events.
Today’s first outing will feature somewhere up to 100 pieces including work from his brother John who is a sculptor and illustrator, his sister Paula who creates mosaic tables, Edmonton painters Igor Postash and Agnes DeMarco, Lacombe photographer Arto Djerdjerian, as well as a few others that were not confirmed by press time.
“I’m excited about the content that I have for this weekend.”
As for the name of the show and sale event, people will have to pay attention, as it’s a working title that might change in the future. Artists will understand, he joked.
“I don’t know if that’s official yet but it sounds good for now.”
People can stop in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10 Sturgeon Rd. every Saturday during the St. Albert Farmers’ Market season.
