Now in its fifteenth year, this non-juried exhibition and fund-raising event never fails to attract several hundred visitors. They are drawn by the wide variety of low-priced original art works contributed by over hundred visual artists from Greater Sudbury and elsewhere in the province.

Normand Renaud is a regular patron who says the event has changed his attitudes toward art as well as his home decor. “To be honest, I had never bought artwork before getting hooked at the Nouveau Louvre. The works on display are so varied and original that you’re sure to like something, the prices are unbeatable, it’s for a good cause and the event eggs you on with its ˝choose it before someone else does˝ vibe. Overthe years, I’ve bought about a dozen works that now hang on my walls and I’ve even moved on to buying art in other events. I’ll be back this year for sure.”

Contributing artists also appreciate the Nouveau Louvre, as visual artist Heather Topp explains: “It’s not easy for an artist to get an exhibition. But the Nouveau Louvre is non-juried, so getting in is relatively simple and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The result is a spectacular diversity that presents new and upcoming artists alongside established artists. We all like the concept of a popular event in support of experimental art, which is the GNO’s main mandate.”

This year as in the past, allworks exhibited at the Nouveau Louvre will be sold for just $150. The artist receives $100 and $50 goes to help support the Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario.

The “first come, first served” nature of the event has people lining up at the door before opening time, so the GNO provides hot chocolate to waiting patrons. However, purchased works are replaced by new ones, so there are always new things to discover over the course of the three-week exhibition.

The 2010 edition of the Nouveau Louvre opens on Saturday November 27th at 2 p.m. sharp. The exhibition runs until December 18th, Tuesdays to Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. Works can also be viewed at the “Nouveau Louvre online” at www.gn-o.org, then reserved by phone at 1-877-358-6615.

Le Nouveau Louvre is sponsored by le journal Le Voyageur, Donald P. Kuyek, Barrister & Solicitor, Sudbury Paints and Custom Framing and Querney’s Plus Office.