Hundreds of donated art works of all sizes, shapes and colours will be up for grabs in a brand new event in the Columbia Valley called Art From the Attic.

Doors at the Invermere Community Hall will be thrown open at 9 a.m. sharp on Saturday, September 3rd when customers will be invited inside to view and purchase art works including posters, prints, paintings and photographs until 4 p.m.

The art works have been donated by individuals, artists and businesses around the valley, and the sheer number has been overwhelming.

"When we put the word out, we tapped into an underground vein of unloved art running through attics, basements, closets and garages all over the valley," says Event Manager Elinor Florence. "Some days the art trickles in and other days it pours in, but we have never stopped getting donations."

Why do so many people have unwanted art in their homes? "Art is something you accumulate over your lifetime and it isn't something you throw out with the trash," Elinor says.

"Let's face it, our tastes change, and we get tired of looking at some things. The floral watercolour that worked with your dining room in 1985 might not cut it in your current home, but it could be the perfect piece for someone else."

Art is often something that people inherit or receive as gifts. "We have a number of items that were passed along by someone else, and it has been languishing in a closet because nobody wanted to get rid of it. Because this event is for charity, now they can do so with a clear conscience!"

But don't think this is a sale of rejects that nobody else will want. Art From the Attic has some wonderful pieces on offer. Consider the photographs of Quebec villages taken in the 1970s; the charming petitpoint of Lake Louise, done in 1933; an oil painting of a Danish farmstead; or the lovely sketches of children by a Jamaican artist. "These are items you won't find a local shop or gallery," Elinor said.

If you have enough art but are looking for a particular item for your collection or a birthday or Christmas gift, try browsing through the specialty items including vintage prints and even movie posters.

And then there's always the possibility of an undiscovered masterpiece. The sale has drawn a number of older pieces, some of them badly in need of cleaning and reframing, many of them by unknown artists or lacking signatures.

Art supplies will also be on sale including frames, mats, glass and canvasses suitable for recycling. Customers are urged to use their imaginations. "Vintage frames tend to be solid wood and very durable," Elinor said. "And please remember that all frames, whether metal or wood, can easily be repainted."

Bargain-hunters will find the prices very attractive. In most cases, art is priced at about one-half to one-third of current value. To simplify your shopping experience, there will be a section for bargain art on one side of the room, and another area featuring more valuable pieces.

"To date, the lowest-priced item is $5 and the highest-priced item is $400," Elinor said. "The majority are priced under $100."

All art will be pre-priced and organizers will not accept offers. A half-price sale will be held for the last hour of the day. If you spot something you love, you can take a chance that it will still be there later and return from 3 to 4 p.m. for an even better deal. The doors will close promptly at 4 p.m.

And remember to bring cash or your chequebook, as credit and debit will not be accepted. Because the sale of used goods is for charity, no taxes will be charged.

"However, buyers are reminded that the event is being held to raise money for our hospital and our local arts council," Elinor said. "Feel free to pay more than the asking price!"

After browsing through the wares at Art From the Attic, continue your "art weekend" with a visit to Artym Gallery, Effusion Gallery, Black Star Gallery and Village Arts Co-op, all located on main street Invermere, and wind up by dropping into Pynelogs Cultural Centre at Kinsmen Beach, where a show of work by local artists will continue until September 4th.

For more information or to donate an unwanted piece of art to these two good causes, please call 250-342-0444 to arrange for pickup. Donations are being gratefully accepted until noon, September 2nd.