The advice from organizer Lorraine Wellman is to “get there early and pick out the next Picasso.”
More than 100 paintings are expected to go on show and for sale at the second annual Guess Who anonymous art show, where every piece of work costs $100 and students’ creations are mixed in with those of renowned local talent.
Half of the proceeds goes to the artist, while half goes to the Richmond Food Bank and last year, despite competing with a storm, $2,000 was raised for the charity.
At this year’s event on Saturday, Nov. 8, — which is run by the Richmond Artist’s Guild — 31 Steveston-London secondary students will vie for attention among buyers with work from guild members and other well known artists, such as Annie Tsai, Marvin Skelton, Bonita Ruttkay, Adrienne Moore, Jennifer Heine and Chris Charlebois.
“The excitement builds as the doors open and, after that, it’s all guesswork really,” said Wellman.
“Last year, we sold about 45 out of the 100 on show and with the 31 London (secondary) students doing paintings this year, I think we’ll be over the 100 mark.”
For the uninitiated, the first 15 minutes of the show and sale is set aside for viewing, so potential buyers can size up their targets.
And all paintings are 10x10, with signatures covered or only on the back.
“You don’t know who did it until you buy it,” added Wellman.
“We have a painting donated by Dennis Magnusson, who recently sold nine large paintings to Hawaii 5-O (TV show). They will be part of the sets and seen by millions.”
The one-day anonymous art show takes place on Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Church at South Arm United at No. 3 Road and Steveston Highway. Entry is free.
