Bering & James Art Box Show

The Bering & James Art Box Show opens the door to all local artists who would like to showcase their work in a professional gallery exhibit that also benefits local charities. The show, held annually during the first weekend of December, is a two-day extravaganza with an open call to all artists.

Each year, Bering and James selects a local organization as the charitable beneficiary of the exhibit. Last year, it chose DePelchin, which received more than $8,000 in proceeds. The 2007 show was one of the most successful ever, with 300 artists participating, according to gallery owner Austin James. Bering and James has generously renewed its support by again selecting DePelchin as the charitable beneficiary of its 2008 show.

“Typically, we select a different charity each year,” said James. “But DePelchin was such a wonderful partner and was so involved that we wanted to work with them again this year.”

An added bonus to last year’s project was the participation of many young artists from DePelchin’s Residential Treatment Center. With the help of ArtBridge, a nonprofit organization that brings the arts to homeless children, the Center’s residents were given the opportunity to create their own art box masterpieces, which were displayed in the 2007 show.

The 2008 Bering & James Holiday Art Box Show will be held December 6-7, but the exhibit will run with art available for purchase through December 31, 2008. Any artist may participate by purchasing an unfinished art box from Bering and James. Artists are encouraged to create art that excites them. In addition to the traditional 12” x 12” size, art boxes are also available in 9” x 9”, 6” x 36”, 12’ x 36”, as well as a new shoe box size of 9” x 12”. Artists may purchase as many boxes as they wish, in any combination. Art is due to Bering & James November 1-12, 2008. Half of each art sale is given to the artist, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting DePelchin.

To learn more, visit Bering and James' Web site.