Art in the Park

RCFM is committed to improving the arts and culture of our community and has arranged for space to be available to working artists.

In 2008, we had a few visual artists rent stall space from us at a loss because they either sold nothing, or hardly anything at all. While they got decent exposure, and reported having a good time, they didn’t make enough to justify renting the space. People don’t really buy art on impulse for the most part. They look at it, they mull it over, they think on it, they let it speak to them, and if they decide to go for it, they do, but usually not the first time they see it.

Artists are generally people who are simply expressing creativity, and don’t have an expectation of profit when they set out to make art. So in 2009, rather than seek out artists to rent stall spaces, we created a new community initiave called Art in the Park.

Art in the Park is pretty simple: we allow visual artists to set up for free in the park next to our market and bring works in progress, completed works for sale, or gallery pieces not for sale. They can bring a tent and display tables, or it can be as simple as their easel. We’ll provide signage and advertising for the area.

There are a few simple guidelines – among others like how the space is first come first served, how you need to pre-register to come, and how we’d like you to purchase a membership in our organization ($10 annually) in order to be covered by insurance – but it’s simply a way for artists to connect with potential buyers.

If you know an artist that could use this opportunity, or if you’re an artist yourself, please contact the Market Manager at marketmanager@rcfm.ca for more information or to register. Art in the Park will run all season in 2010. Here is a form that you will be required to fill out and send in.