On Friday, Nov. 2, the SHAPE Gallery, located in downtown Shippensburg, opened its doors to debut its new exhibition, “Give the Gift of Art.”

While most exhibits at SHAPE follow a theme, GTGOA does not. Any style of art is allowed and the only rule is that the art must come from local, community-based artists. The exhibition is also a sale.

“The purpose of this sale is to make art affordable,” said Trisha Grace, SHAPE’s president.“Too many people think of art as a luxury item they can’t afford.”

The opening reception last Friday also doubled as the SHAPE Gallery’s 13th birthday celebration, complete with cupcakes and ice cream. Shippensburg Area High School senior Ryan Brennan set the mood with an acoustic set, playing mellow tunes from Dave Matthews Band and The Grateful Dead.

The exhibition is also a fundraiser for SHAPE as 30 percent of all proceeds will go to the gallery.

The no themed-nature of the event brought an eclectic mix of art from more than 20 local artists, including paintings from SHAPE membership coordinator Mark Wojciechowski and oil paintings from local artist Julie Myers.

SU professor Margaret Evans sold photography and hand-made beaded necklaces.

Nature photographer Anne Cherry had full-sized photos for sale, as well as prints made into Christmas and Thanksgiving greeting cards. Carved gourds crafted into ornaments, as well as blown-glass ornaments were also for sale.

SU junior Justin Rowles was impressed by the different styles of artwork.

“It’s interesting to see all these different types of work coming together. It’s not just a woodwork exhibit or a sculpting exhibit, it’s everything,” Rowles said.

The sale will be going on until Dec. 21. Items can be held but patrons are welcome and encouraged to take their purchases home with them the same day.

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