WATSONVILLE—Last year, Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual “Take Aways: Art To Go!” fundraising exhibit earned a record-breaking $43,000.
The organization hopes to once again top itself in 2020.
“This is our one big fundraiser of the year,” said Chris Miroyan, who is co-curating this year’s exhibit with fellow artist Jane Gregorius. “Some shows actually cost us more money than what we earn. [‘Take Aways’] makes those exhibits possible.”
“Take Aways: Art To Go!” raises money by selling more art at a lower price. Pieces must be offered for under $300, and as art is sold, more art takes its place.
This is unique for an art exhibit, Miroyan said.
“It’s almost like a retail space,” she said. “Typically when you buy a piece of art, you wait until the end of the show to bring it home with you. But with this show you take it right then, at point of sale.”
More than 70 artists from Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley are featured in this year’s exhibit, which is now in its seventh year. Work ranges from painting and photography to multimedia and sculpture.
Despite the low prices, the gallery and the artists are still given full commission on the art sold. This has made it a very popular exhibit, Miroyan said.
“The artists are thrilled because they typically sell a lot of work,” she said. “And with some of these prices, people can even do some gift shopping. It really is a win-win.”
PV Arts member Jean Sheckler Beebe, who is part of the organization’s education committee, has been involved with the exhibit since its inception. This year, she and her husband Mike Bebe will be displaying and selling their collaborative artwork.
“What I love is that the quality of the work is spectacular, but it’s also so affordable,” Beebe said. “Also… you can see a new show every time you come in since the work is always being replaced. It’s great.”
Since “Take Aways” is an invitational and not an “open call” show, PV Arts is always on the lookout for new artists to feature. They search during Open Studios, but that does not always yield diverse results.
“If we don’t already know you, it can be hard to find your work,” Beebe said. “We need to find a new way to get people involved.”
Miroyan had a similar sentiment.
“We know there are lots of amazing young artists in Watsonville,” she said. “We want them to get involved with the gallery, and carry this organization forward.”
“Take Aways: Art to Go!” opens Jan. 22. An opening reception will be held on Jan. 26 from 2-4 p.m. The exhibit will run through March 8 with a special closing reception and raffle.
“So many galleries just can’t make it,” Miroyan said. “Being a nonprofit is the only reason we do. We are about 80 percent sweat, made from volunteers working really hard.”
Pajaro Valley Arts is at 37 Sudden St., Watsonville. For information visit pvarts.org.
