Manitoba artist creates accessible free little art gallery in Brandon
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a Manitoba artist to create an accessible free little art gallery in Brandon to spread creativity and build a sense of community.
Artist Errin Witherspoon said she is pretty new to the art scene – she had just started selling her art last year when the pandemic hit.
"Because of COVID, I found it really difficult for me to connect with other artists in Brandon, there has just been no outlet for that and no way to do it," she said.
After seeing a similar idea in Seattle, she decided a free little art gallery would be a great fit for Brandon too.
"I thought this project – when I saw it might be a great way for me to connect with some other artists in the area, even online, so that I can start building some relationships and a sense of community there."
The art gallery, which is located at 1130 Braecrest Drive in Brandon, is similar to little community libraries – but instead of books, those passing by can help themselves to art.
The art gallery, which is located at 1130 Braecrest Drive in Brandon, is similar to little community libraries – but instead of books, those passing by can help themselves to art. (Source: Errin Witherspoon)(Source: Errin Witherspoon)
"People who pass by are free to have a look inside, and if there is a piece of art that's in there that they love – they can take it home, no questions asked," Witherspoon said. "Alternatively, if somebody is feeling creative and they would like to put some art in the gallery, they are free to do that as well."
After securing a permit with the city, Witherspoon said her husband built the gallery and she filled it with art.
The gallery opened at the beginning of April, and in the time since, Witherspoon said it has received a fantastic response from the community.
She said people are starting to leave their own pieces of art in the gallery, and are leaving chalk messages of support and encouragement on the sidewalk.
The gallery features a hand crank and solar light to make it more accessible.
The art gallery, which is located at 1130 Braecrest Drive in Brandon, features a hand crank and solar light to make it more accessible. (Source: Errin Witherspoon)(Source: Errin Witherspoon)
"If the gallery is too high and you are using a mobility device, for example, it can be lowered easily with the crank that’s on it so that everybody has access to it," Witherspoon said.
For those thinking about visiting the free little art gallery, Witherspoon has some advice.
"I would say don't hold back. I would say create whatever it is that your heart wants you to create. Try not to worry about what anybody is going to think about what you've created," she said, "And make sure it is 10 inches by 10 inches or smaller; otherwise, it won't fit in the gallery."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.