
Art and Soul Gallery 120-6 ave SW, High River
High River has such a vibrant history and culture of art that it’s no doubt the Art and Soul Gallery will be a big hit among residents and tourists alike.
The gallery is having their grand opening this weekend, June 7-9 to celebrate its new location. Previously, the gallery was called Gallery 109, but since its move, has been renamed.
Part-owner Annie Froese says that the gallery is extremely unique compared to other galleries because it’s run collectively with all the artists instead of commercially, with one sole owner. “This means that we’re all individual owners in once place,” Froese says.
In order for the artists to be collective owners, they each pay a fee that allows them to have 10 feet of wall space to showcase their work. On top of this, they must also come work at the gallery two days a week, which Froese says allows the customers to interact with the artists.
“Quite often with commercial galleries, they’ll have work hanging on a wall, but you’ll never get to know anything about the artists and why they were moved to paint it,” Froese says. “But here, we love getting the chance to teach people about the whole process.”

Artist Tyrrell Clarke with her recent work of summer florals.
Running Art and Soul Gallery this way also greatly benefits the artists because they are able to keep 100 per cent of their profits. “Commercial art galleries are the opposite of this,” Froese says. “Those galleries decide what commission they’re going to take and it’s usually anywhere between 50 and 70 per cent.”
Not only are there artists at the gallery, Routes Media Inc. has also relocated its office to be on the top floor of the gallery.
“Routes has always been a supporter of the art community and it is an honour and a pleasure to work amidst of all this talent, it’s really inspiring,” says Sandra Wiebe, owner of Routes Media.
The location is the perfect place, says Froese, because it’s got a big backyard, perfect for holding events such as the opening this weekend. Froese encourages everyone to come down this weekend to meet the artists and listen to live music.

Artist Brian Clute touches up the edges of his abstract painting.
The artists that will be represented are Tyrrell Clarke, Brian Clute, Annie Froese, Don Hamm, Larissa McLean, Jacqueline Mulyk, Krystyna Laycraft, Sue Weston and Sharon Lynn Williams, with more to come.
The celebrations will take place Friday from 6-9pm, Saturday from 12-5pm and Sunday from 1-4pm.
To find out more information on the event go to http://www.artandsoulstudiogallery.com
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