4 minute read
Ina’s Gallery
Hi everyone, it’s me, Annie. I have the greatest job in the world as the absolutely, adorably cute and lovable official greeter for a small gallery called, Ina’s, it’s in Peers, AB. I’m usually the first one you see when you visit.
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“Everything is hand crafted and the gallery is located in the hamlet of Peers, Alberta.”
Where is Peers, you might ask, we are located halfway between Edmonton and Jasper. The hamlet boasts the amenities of a small town, a grocery store with a deli, a gas station and a diner.
Close by are a few small lakes and if you are willing to work, you can still find gold in the McLeod River. But I digress, back to my original mission.
“My task today is to take you on a little tour of our gallery.“
Susan believes that everyone has a talent; some people just haven’t discovered theirs yet. She also believes that art isn’t always what people have traditionally considered art. Sometimes it can be seen in a knitted sweater, a painted rock or any work where you can see the passion and care of the person that created it. St Francis of Assisi said “that one who works with his hands is a labourer, one who works with his hands and his heart is a craftsman but if one works with his hands, head and heart he is an artist.” There are many artists.
Photo Credit: J Shantz Photograph
Ina’s Gallery opened November 2014 as a retirement job for Susan. She and my dad, Allan, renovated an older home belonging to the McGuire family. The original house was built after WWII by a husband for his bride, Ina. Ina lived here until age necessitated her move to senior’s housing.
Her home now showcases the “works”, over 55 vendors. All vendors put their own price on their projects and the gallery takes a small commission.
The gallery has evolved into a place promoting and supporting mostly local artists, some not so local, small business and community. We have a diverse display of artists and artisans and we do love, made in Canada. Pottery, paintings, stained glass as well as knitting, quilting, weaving and cross stitch are all on exhibit with the intent to sell.
Our diverse display can change weekly. We do not jury our works as not all mediums appeal to everyone.
I’m a rescue dog, albeit an adorable one, but what do I know about art. However we have discovered that if you build it they will come. New artists are always welcome. We promote shopping locally but that doesn’t mean some of our art has not travelled as far as Cyprus, England, Netherlands and even Hungry to arrive at its forever home.
Our mission is to create a relaxing, positive atmosphere where even the tiny patrons can browse; either to purchase an affordable work or just become inspired to create their own. Most days you will find Susan and/or Christine working on the webpage or their own projects. I will be sleeping under the work counter until I hear the bells on the door and spring into action. I do feel very fortunate as I get to hear all the great comments and compliments that patrons say about our diverse assortment of art.
You can check us out on our Facebook or Instagram pages as well as our website. However, that is not as good as the real deal. So if you are ever in the area please stop in to see me.
We also have a Summer Solstice and a Christmas Market where vendors have their own tables as well, at least we did until the pandemic. I’d love to meet you; sometimes I even get to meet other dogs here. Did I mention I love my job? I never thought when I was living at the shelter that I would end up working at an incredible place like this gallery. Life is good! Somethings are just meant to be and as a testament, with its wide range of options.... Ina’s Gallery.
Phone: 780 693-2290 during gallery hours Cell: 780 712-2090 Susan's cell / text or call
Gallery Hours: 11:00 -5:00 Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday or call cell to make an appointment that is convenient Susan Shantz
Location: 4915 50 St. Peers AB
