A stream of visitors to the Lynnwood Arts Center was like an early Christmas gift to both art vendors at a holiday market on Saturday and to the volunteers and board who have worked to reopen the gallery.
“We are just thrilled to have our doors open again,” said Lynnwood director Kim Shippey.
Norfolk County shut the building in 2019 and a group of “passionate” volunteers came forward to form a board, Shippey said, eventually partnering with the county.
Then COVID hit and events were canceled and delayed for two years.
But, in June, the facility hosted the Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together exhibit with an Indigenous thrust, attracting hundreds of school children.
“From then, we’ve never looked back,” said Shippey.
On Saturday, the Christmas-decorated house welcomed back community members who have been absent for years, offering cookies, cider and a chance to invest in the arts through visiting several dozen vendors in the facility.
“It was a steady flow of people through the entire afternoon. We were thrilled with the number who came through.”
Shippey said people were enchanted by the “beautiful space” of Lynnwood, especially decked out for the holiday.
Along with the artists selling a wide variety of items, the afternoon featured Waterford’s Dave Deelen, complete with pipe and a vintage copy of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, doing readings.
“This was always a family favourite,” said Deelen, “and I think it embodies Christmas.”
There was also a craft area where children could create Christmas ornaments and Shippey was touched that many of them wanted to hang them on the gallery’s Christmas tree.
“We really encourage people to come to our holiday market to complete their shopping and support our local artists. Art matters and it’s powerful in our community.”
Shippey said people can return to another holiday market on Dec. 17 from noon to 5 pm
After the holidays, the gallery has plans for an event-packed 2023 with five exhibitions, summer camps, March break camp, a second Indigenous project and the unveiling of an arts endowment and named gallery space.
“We’re getting great corporate support and making incredible leadership in our community. Lynnwood is on a great trajectory.”
@EXPSGamble