Attention young art aficionados: The Rectangle Gallery & Creative Space in downtown Centralia will host an opening gala celebration on Friday, April 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for its 2023 Young Artists Show at 209 N. Tower Ave.
Rectangle Gallery owner Jan Nontell announced the gala’s date and time at last Tuesday evening’s Centralia City Council meeting during public comments.
“We’re really good about celebrating our sports kids and our kids who go out and hit balls and run and do all the sports things, but we’re not really good about celebrating our artists,” Nontell said.
A total of 24 young artists — all between the ages of 7 and 12 — have signed up with Nontell to show and sell their artwork at Rectangle Gallery. The art will be available for purchase for a month following the gala. All 24 creators will be available during the gala to answer questions and talk with prospective buyers.
Nontell treats the young artists the same way she treats adult artists, she said, going through a memorandum of understanding with them and setting the gallery’s expectations for art, among other things.
“We talk about what it’s like to sell your art, and we talk a lot about what it’s like to not sell your art,” said Nontell. “Art doesn’t always sell, and I do my best to treat these kids like the young artists, professional artists they are going to become.”
She added those interested in purchasing art from the show should ensure to make it to the gala since that is when most pieces sell.
