Impressively, it was to be the largest single exhibition of Bob Ross paintings anywhere, any time. And it still will. But now it won't begin 'til July.
"Our Bob Ross exhibition that was set to open on Saturday the 21st is now being postponed," said Penticton Art Gallery collections and communications manager McKaila Ferguson this morning. "It will now open July 3rd and run through to September 15th."
Indeed, all events associated with the exhibition, entitled "Happy Little Accidents," have also been bumped forward. That includes "Topics + Tea" lectures, an April 11th Bob Ross Paint-In (with tutoring by certified Bob Ross instructors) and of course the opening night gala.
Ferguson cited coronavirus concerns and the potential for a Gallery shutdown as the motivation behind the postponement.
"It's postponed because we want the most people possible to see this exhibition. It would be a shame if we were to have it now and had to close. It's a blockbuster exhibition for us and the community was so excited about it, so we thought it was best to hope that most things are sorted out by summer."
The announcement comes after a busy weekend for the Gallery crew, which ended Monday morning with the arrival of a collection that includes no less than 32 Bob Ross original paintings and one Bob Ross "gold pan."
"Luckily," said Ferguson, "we were able to move around our exhibition schedule. All weekend we've been all hands on deck, trying to make this work. So Bob is definitely coming. It's just a bit late."
And that's not the only news to come from the Gallery this morning. Given current health risks and the Bob Ross postponement, there will be no new exhibitions at all for the next two months.
But that doesn't mean there won't be activity. According to Ferguson, "We will remain open to the public until we are told that we can no longer do that by the Inland Health Authority or the BC Ministry of Health."
"And in the meantime, we have a bunch of enormous artworks in our permanent collection that need to be re-photographed. So Paul (curator Paul Crawford) will be bringing those pieces into the main gallery and photographing them."
The Gallery intends to document the process and post it online, at its website and Facebook page, so folks can follow along from the comfort of their home.
Alternately, and until such time the Gallery is forced to close to the public, it will welcome guests who want to see it in person.
On that note, Ferguson said staff is working hard to ensure the PAG is a safe place to be.
"We already have lots of hand sanitizer here," she said, "and we're getting some big dispensers installed this week at the front entrance."
"All of the washrooms are cleaned daily, and we have signs posted for proper handwashing etiquette. All our public spaces are constantly cleaned, and we ask guests to be mindful of what they touch and their distance to other people."
Ferguson advises that anyone wanting a refund for Bob Ross Paint-In tickets can contact the Gallery for a refund. "Or, since it's being rescheduled," she added, "we can put their spot on hold for them until we release the next date."
For more information on any of the above, check out the Penticton Art Gallery's website and Facebook page.
