Back in February I wrote a column about a historic January phenomenon, the White Sale. It was a somewhat silly Unorganized Territory, mainly about shopping. But as is sometimes the case, I got more feedback on that column than many others on more serious subjects.
A lot of people remember getting good deals on sheets, blankets or comforters during White Sales of the past. And who doesn’t love sharing a story of a great bargain?
One of my favorite commenter/ critics is Bob Swanson of Grand Portage, who responded to my White Sale column. Bob too, pre-dates the Internet and he also remembers White Sales.
However, while I didn’t know why retail stores slashed prices on sheets and towels in January, Bob remembered that it had something to do with inventory. Stores gave deep discounts on linens to get rid of them before being taxed on them!
Bob, who predates the Internet but is still computersavvy, sent an e-mail with that theory, which checks out. So thanks to Bob for that little bit of trivia—and for letting me know that people are reading Unorganized Territory.
When I was doing some Internet searching to confirm
Bob’s recollection, I came upon one really odd item. The announcement of an art gallery opening in New York City called The White Sale. It was an exhibit of “white works.”
The New York gallery announced that it would be presenting paintings, photography, sculpture, works on paper, assemblage and video—all in white. The announcement declared that in this show, “the overlooked differentiation in shades of white becomes apparent.”
It sounds like an interesting show. I wouldn’t mind perusing the “differentiation in shade of white,” but I don’t think it’s worth a trip to New York to see. We have our own galleries here in Cook County with our own interesting exhibits.
In fact, everywhere you go there are art exhibits. We have lovely galleries, of course, such as the Johnson Heritage Post, which is now featuring an amazing plein air exhibit focusing on Lake Superior by Lisa Stauffer, Michelle Wegler, and Cheryl LeClair Sommer. There is Sivertson’s Gallery with its wonderful collection of Art of the North.
But there are also mini art displays tucked into corners at establishments all along the North Shore. If you stop for a beverage at a local coffee shop, you are also treated to an array of intense oil paintings. If you dine at any number of restaurants, you will also be able to enjoy an arrangement of fine photography. All up and down the shore, there are beautiful works of art hanging on the walls with discreet little price tags.
Art is readily accessible; we don’t need a White Sale. Or a White Sale exhibit.
Maybe the Grand Marais Art Colony should host its own White Sale exhibit. Although it almost does, with its Winter Plein Air event—painters painting snow scenes—now that would be “shades of white” that I could appreciate.
Art washes away from the soul
the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
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