Since its opening in July 1997 The Landing Gallery at 436 Marine Drive, run by the Sunshine Coast Artists’ Co-operative (SCAC), has been somewhat of a community centre. It has become a favoured stop for many locals and regular visitors. Folks like to pop in for their “art-break”– chat to an artist or just quietly enjoy the wide variety of art created on the Sunshine Coast. Many noted artists are, or have been, shown in the gallery and it has provided support, camaraderie, and a sales outlet for dozens of local artists throughout its tenure.
The Landing Gallery will close as of Nov. 30. Throughout North America, art sales are on the wane and that reality has touched Gibsons as well. Collectively, the SCAC executive made the difficult decision to close the storefront operations, at least for now. They will miss having the day-to-day interaction with the community that the gallery provides. Come by before they close to say farewell to this location and purchase that piece of art you’ve been eyeing.
The Sunshine Coast Artists’ Co-operative will continue. The first post-gallery-closing event will be a Christmas market (A Temporary Landing: Gallery Show and Sale) generously hosted by across-the-street neighbours, the Gibsons Public Art Gallery (GPAG). Just in time for gift giving, you’ll find all your favourite co-op artists at GPAG from Dec. 8 to 23. The artists will be on hand to help you choose from a wonderful selection of paintings, prints, photos, fibre art, scarves, pillows, jewelry, and much more. In the years to come, you’ll find co-op members popping up in various locations on the Sunshine Coast at least twice per year.
Also, a notice: the co-op is changing its operating model and will no longer hold redeemable shares. Should you hold shares in the Sunshine Coast Artists’ Co-operative and wish to cash them out for their face value, this must be done by Dec. 31. After that date, any remaining shares will be non-redeemable. Contact co-op president Ruth Rodgers at [email protected] for more information.
