By MICHELLE SCHMIDT INLAND360.COM
A hole-in-the-wall is a place that requires a second glance to even see that it’s there – and yet, it’s sometimes these very places where a quick step inside proves well worth the visit.
At the Hole-In-The-Wall Art Show during Grangeville’s Border Days, that quick step inside means an opportunity to view 40 to 80 pieces of art, all by members of the Central Idaho Art Association.
How did the show get its name?
“The people who own the mini mall are Gerry and Ellamae Holes. The family has been in Grangeville for generations. But I supposed it also got that name because it’s catchy. The place is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, with one door that goes through a hallway to several offices,” said Marlene O’Neill, CIAA President.
Other than one office room that features the photography of Roger and Janice Ingram, that long hallway is where the art is displayed for the show. For that reason, many artists select smaller pieces that will fit nicely within the space. It may not be a typical gallery, but it’s an enjoyable venue for artists and viewers alike.
“It’s a lot better than in the park, where we used to have it, with the wind and everything. It’s nice in there,” said Mary Bakker, a contributor to the silent auction.
Bakker is one of 64 guild members, and has participated in the show since it began. She works primarily with oils, but also uses watercolor and pastels. Bakker has been creating since high school, but has been able to work more steadily at her art for the past 20 years after she moved to the area.
“I do a little bit of everything – landscapes, portraits, animals, a variety of different things,” Bakker said.
There are typically a few art-related features during Grangeville’s Border Days, and the Hole In The Wall Show is just another of the many events taking place during the three day festival. The show isn’t judged, but is simply a place where local artists can show a few pieces and where the public can enjoy – and even buy – original local artwork.
“People come and look at the show and some people will buy things. I try to have like prints and lower priced item because they tend to sell more,” Bakker said.
The show is well attended, though viewers tend to come in waves throughout the day.
“In the morning there are games they play in the street, after those are over, there are a lot of people coming through – until they have the parade, but then after that, more people come through,” Bakker said.
Artists who are displaying their work take turns sitting the show, so it’s an opportunity for those browsing to talk to the artists.
“I recognize a lot of people from the area,” Bakker said. “But there are strangers, too. I sold a print one year to people who were visiting from Hawaii.”
Which is to say, Border Days attracts people from all over, some of whom are looking for an art show, even one hiding in a hole-in-the-wall.
Schmidt can be contacted at themichelleschmidt.com@gmail.com or (208) 305-4578.
If you go: WHAT: Hole-in-the-Wall Art Show and Silent Auction WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, July 3 and 4; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, July 5 WHERE: Holes Mini Mall, 213 W. Main St., Grangeville COST: Free
