In the seconds before the whistle blows, Lorraine Wellman says she tries to “discourage” buyers from jockeying for position.
However, such is the determination of people to get the paintings they want, Wellman, Richmond Artists Guild’s vice-president, knows there’s not much she can do to deter them.
And with Wellman predicting that the 150-or-so 10-inch by 10-inch canvas works of art — the artists will be anonymous to the buyers — at the guild’s annual Guess Who event being better than ever, it’s hard to see that initial rush subsiding.
“They have 15 minutes to view them, the whistle goes and then it’s a bit of a buying frenzy to be honest,” said Wellman of the Nov. 5 event at South Arm United Pioneer Church.
“You never know, you might get the next Picasso. And I actually think the paintings are even better this year; I’m thinking the artists are starting to think longer about what looks good on a 10 by 10.”
Once people have bought the painting, they will be able to view who the artist is, explained Wellman.
Participating in this year’s Guess Who will be local students, including some from Steveston-London secondary, members of the Western Canada Taiwanese Artist Society, members of the Richmond Artists Guild and professional artists, including Chris Charleboise, John Ferrie and Leo Hu.
The paintings, which will be in oil, acrylic and water colour, are all $100; half of which goes to the Richmond Food Bank and half to the artist, some of whom have multiple entries, to a maximum of three.
“Many people buy multiples and mount them as a collection each year,” added Wellman, noting the event, which is free to attend, raised around $2,000 last year for the food bank.
Cash or cheque is accepted for payment for any paintings you manage to get your hands on.
Guess Who runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church on No. 3 Road and Steveston Highway.
