It is the season of giving, but that it not what originally inspired The Raw Canvas’ new art show “The Giving Wall.” Those who are familiar with the children’s book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstien will notice the reference as soon as they set eyes on the poster for the event. The same little boy from the book is hanging a sign on the poster.

Justin Nordine, owner of the Raw Canvas art gallery and tattoo studio, opened the studio in 2008 and then added the gallery in June 2010. The Raw Canvas operates the same way any other tattoo studio does just with the additional component of the art gallery that coincides in the same space.

“The artists that show here are part of our co-op,” Nordine said.

“For artists being part of a co-op means they pay a monthly fee and whatever they sell they pocket one hundred percent,” Nordine said.

The co-op now consists of an eclectic group of eleven artists. Some ,including Nordine, are Mesa State alumni. Nordine also said that the co-op is constantly on the look out for new artists. Anyone who is interested in joining should fill out an application which is found on the Raw Canvas website, therawcanvas.net.

The Raw Canvas hosts a major art show every two months. The last show was in October, which means there most recent show, The Giving Wall, took place last Friday Dec. 3.

“Every show is usually the same artists but it’s always new work,” Nordine said.

The gallery also sometimes features a guest artist from outside the group.

Since the co-op makes its decisions as a community, it gives them more freedom for the type of work the present.

“It’s alternative,” Nordine said “The artists you see here, you might not see their work hanging around any where else in Grand Junction because it’s so alternative.”

The main concept of the show was inspired by Silverstein’s works but it stayed true to the true spirit of the giving season. This show included a silent audition of art work and proceeds from the auction were then donated to three local charities: Brett’s Battle, Donations for Delaney, and Latimer House.

Money was not all that was donated. Many musicians donated music. The Giving Wall featured an acoustic concert of local bands and musicians that included solo performances from Nathan Elliot, Chris Boyd, Kevin Decke, She Bramer, Tyler Hawkins, and group performances by Intertwined and Digital Boy. In addition the show had no cover charge.

“It was a labor of love,” Nordine said.

The co-op’s next show will be on Feb 3.

“It’s going to be loosely based off of burning man,” Nordine said.

No need to worry for the music lovers either. There will be free love inspired music as well to go with the event. After that on April 1 Raw Canvas present “Rawk-a-Billy” which will incorpate the automotive world the show.

“One of our artists is a pin striper,” Nordine said.

He also said a lot of the work in that show will reflect the work of the artist who does pin stripping.

For more information on Raw Canvas check out it’s website at therawcanvas.net or visit the studio location down town at 755 Rood Avenue.