One year ago, something unforgettable happened here at the Gateway Art Gallery—a curious deer, now affectionately known as Arty the Buck, busted right through our doors and into our hearts. The Deer Who Visited the Art Gallery became a story that made headlines all around the world, and this fall we’re commemorating the anniversary of Arty’s visit with our Season of the Deer celebration. We hope you’ll join in the fun!
October 20: Deer Day Art Exhibit Opens
Our Deer Day Art Exhibit opens on October 20, featuring artwork inspired by Arty and his visit. Our Gallery artists have painted, drawn, sewn, and decoupaged their tributes to Arty and we’re showcasing them throughout the month on our walls. While you’re here, you can also pick up their free ornament blank to join our Holiday Ornament Contest!
October 23: Deer Day!
October 23 marks the exact anniversary of Arty’s visit, and we’re celebrating in style! Stop by the Gallery for antler cookies, buckeyes, reindeer punch, games, and door prizes all day long. The exhibit will be open, and ornament blanks will be on hand for anyone who wants to be part of this year’s holiday ornament contest.
LC/CC Historical Museum Fundraiser
This year, the Gateway Art Gallery is proud to participate in the Lake City/Columbia County Historical Museum’s holiday fundraiser. Our Deer/Forest-themed tree will be decorated in lime green, maroon, and gold/copper. We’re accepting ornament donations from the contest (or others that fit the theme/color scheme) to decorate our tree. If you’d like to help, come to the Museum downtown at 10 am on Friday, Nov. 21st. All trees in the fundraiser will be auctioned off on Saturday, November 22. Proceeds from the sale of our tree benefit the Historical Museum and the Gallery. When our tree finds its new home, the community-made ornaments go with it — carrying your creativity into the season while supporting local history and the arts.
Oct. 20–Nov. 20: Holiday Ornament Contest
We invite the community to join our annual Holiday Ornament Contest! Pick up an ornament blank at the Gallery, decorate it however you like within the “Season of the Deer” theme—think forest animals, ferns, woodland creatures, trees, and deer of course—and then return it by November 20. The color theme is lime green, maroon, and gold/copper. (The theme is optional for those who wish to contribute to the Museum Fundraiser tree. You are absolutely free to pick your own theme if preferred.)
- Judging will take place on November 20th at 5 pm
- Categories: Adult (18+) & Youth (all ages up to 17)
- Cash prize for First place
- Ribbons for top 3 places
- “Most Inventive” prize awarded for the ornament that shows the most original and ingenious ideas, methods, and/or materials.
Bonus: Visitor Challenge
Activities to Complete
- Visit the Deer Day Art Exhibit (Oct. 20–Nov. 15)
- Celebrate Deer Day at the Gallery (Oct. 23 — cookies, punch, games, and prizes!)
- Pick up an Ornament Blank for the Holiday Ornament Contest
- Turn in Your Finished Ornament by Nov. 20
- Find Arty the Buck hidden in the Gallery (stamp earned when you spot him!)
- Take a Photo at the Forest Backdrop and share with #SeasonOfTheDeer and #ArtyTheBuck
- Bring a Friend who’s never visited the Gallery before
Completed Card = Prize Entry
- Drop your finished punch card in the ballot box by Nov. 20th to enter.
- Each completed card enters you into a drawing for a Gallery gift basket and other door prizes
- You don’t need to be present to win. (Be sure to write your name/phone # on your card so we can contact you if you do!)
Important Dates
- Oct. 20 – Deer Day Art Exhibit opens + Ornament blanks available
- Oct. 23 – Deer Day Celebration (cookies, punch, door prizes, games)
- Nov. 20 – Ornament Contest turn-in deadline
- Nov. 21 – Tree decorating @ the Museum
- Nov. 22 — Silent Auction @ the Museum – purchase a fully decorated tree or wreath for charity! Proceeds from the sale of our tree benefit the Historical Museum and the Gallery.
