• Sparacino / Artists Loft

Saskatoon gallery celebrating local talent with 60’s flair

Cheryl & Denyse / Artists Loft

Artists Cheryl Tuck Tallon (l) and Denyse Klette are eager to share the work of Western Canadian artists with the public. (Britainy Zapshalla)

Everything’s groovy at the Artists’ Loft in Saskatoon this weekend. The gallery is awash in vibrant colour and paintings of all sizes and that’s just the way owners Cheryl Tuck Tallon and Denyse Klette had envisioned their latest “Mini Me” show.

The title is one part Austin Powers reference, one part keen business sense. “Some people don’t have the budget or the space for a $5,000 piece,” explains Klette. “We wanted to show art for everyone. It’s about accessibility.”

Miller Paintings / Artists Loft

Paintings by Saskatoon’s Jacqueline Faye Miller (Britainy Zapshalla)

Each of the seven artists have produced  a collection of works. There’s one larger piece with a larger price tag and then several smaller pieces or “Mini Me’s” which are more affordable.

“Some people are just trying to add a pop of colour to their room,” says Tuck Tallon. “It’s a great entry point into the world of art.”

Sparacino / Artists Loft

Paintings by Chilliwack artist Jennifer Sparacino. (Britiany Zapshalla)

The 60’s inspired opening night party (Friday, April 29) goes along with the whimsical mandate of the gallery. There will be Mini Coopers parked outside, a mixologist from Lucky Bastard Distillery will be creating a signature cocktail and guests are invited to dress up in 60’s attire.

Each of the pieces have Austin Powers inspired names, like Do you think I’m sexy? “We want our gallery to break down barriers,” explains Klette. “We want people to laugh and have fun while viewing some amazing art.”

“We want people to laugh and have fun while viewing some amazing art.”

Along with all the paintings up for grabs, each artist has donated a work to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.  There is a silent auction for these pieces and the public can bid online.

Later in the weekend (Sunday May 1) SSO principle percussionist Bryan Allen will be performing in the gallery. “We are artists and we are inspired by art in all forms,” says Tuck Tallon. “This is our way of collaborating and giving back.”

Pieces run between $200 – $5,000.

Full details are in this handy, dandy link... Oh Behave!