Helene Mayer

By Joel Ceausu
The Suburban

Get hopping art lovers, because NDG Art Hop is back.

The long-awaited yearly weekend event sees doors thrown open on some 20 artists’ works, an eclectic mix of genres and styles, from watercolours and sculptures to miniatures and portraits. Last year’s edition generated a ton of interest and visits with some $23,000 in sales for 20 participating local artists, almost double the volume of the year before. “Yes we’re on to something,” says Art Hop director and watercolour painter Helene Mayer.

Artists will open their doors May 25-26 and welcome art lovers and curious visitors to come and peruse their works and chat with creators. “Although we are all happy to sell our work,” says Mayer, “we want people to know that they are welcome to come see the studios, the work in progress, and talk to the artists.” Artists will be on hand throughout the day. “Yes, they’re not allowed to leave” she laughs, “not even for a minute, not even to pee!”

A handy map helps visitors choose their route among four zones: Loyola, St. Raymonds, Villa Maria and Vendome. New this year, organizers are raffling off a $50 gift certificate towards the purchase of an Art Hop work for visitors who leave their contact info at studios they visit.

To catch a glimpse of what’s on offer, drop in for a coffee at Biblio Café on Sherbrooke and see a sample of each artist’s work on display. Check it all out at www.ndg-art-hop.com n