It’s that time of year when we struggle to find the perfect gift for that certain someone who seems to have everything. This year let the Upstairs Artspace help you give the gift of art while you, in turn, help support the mission of the Upstairs Artspace to continue showcasing contemporary art and craft in our area.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, the Upstairs Artspace will be hosting its third annual 100×100, a unique art event featuring 100 artworks by local artists. Each original work of art measures 12-inches by 12-inches and will be available for purchase for only $100 each. This unique event is not an auction — all art will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis – but a chance for the first-time buyer, as well as the seasoned collector to own an original work of art at an affordable price.

“The across-the-board selling price of $100 levels the playing field,” says Upstairs gallery director Tom Madison. “In this sale, the person with the most money doesn’t necessarily win, and the majority of work is sold within the first hour.” The artists’ names remain unknown until the closing reception, their anonymity adding mystery to the excitement of the sale. “We want people to choose the art for itself, not for the name recognition of the well-known local artist who created it,” says Madison. And it’s the generosity of local artists that makes this event possible. The artists have donated all the work to be sold and proceeds benefit the continuing programs of the Upstairs Artspace.

In addition to the 100×100 event, students from six area schools have donated works measuring 10-inches by 10-inches for a concurrent event called 50×50. The student work will sell for $50 each and a portion of those sales will benefit art programming in their schools, which include Polk County Middle School and Polk County High School, Landrum High School, Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville, the South Carolina Governor’s School and the Greenville Fine Arts Center.

The opening reception will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12. Doors open at 5 p.m. for previewing; 100×100 sales start promptly at 6 p.m., 50×50 sales begin at 7 p.m. The exhibit will remain on view for one week and purchases may be picked up during a closing reception on Friday, Dec. 18, from 5 – 7:30 p.m.

– Submitted by Caren Stansell