Talk about Art

Christmas may be the season for giving, but it's not the only one. And while January seems an unlikely candidate for altruism, at Wenaha Gallery, it's the perfect time for the community to give back to the community through the gallery's Annual Canned Food Drive.

"We purposely chose January as the month for our food drive because during the Christmas season, there is so much focus on gift-giving and celebration that once you are over the seasonal holidays, people are almost burnt out," says Pat Harri, owner of the gallery. But fortunately, the spark of generosity is still warm and alive.

Heading into its tenth year, the food drive, which benefits the Dayton Community Food Bank, brings out the creativity and generosity of customers and friends, Harri adds, explaining that everyday throughout the month, donations of canned and boxed foods arrive, and gallery staff challenges itself to create a fluid and changing "sculpture."

"I try to do something different every year," says sales associate C.J. Horlacher. "And I have to move it around as the quantity of donations grows!"

By the end of the month, the amount of donated cans, boxes, and other nonperishables reaches the 500-pound range, with a resultant three-dimensional, temporary art piece celebrating form, shape, color, variety, and good wishes from many people.

Wenaha Gallery is located at 219 East Main, Dayton, and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For every imperishable item donated to the gallery during January, the giver receives $2 off their next custom framing order, up to 20 percent off total.