Unique opportunities await local artists
Calls for art submissions for shows and contests present artists with opportunities to showcase their talent to a wider audience and gain recognition. Some calls may be limited to specific qualifications and others open to all. There are two calls for artists coming up in our community that should be of great interest and I am hoping many will enter.
The Winding Art Gallery in Stewiacke is sponsoring an art show with a call to artists with Special Needs. This particular art contest makes my heart jump for joy as a former Community Services Worker who saw first hand the unique artistic expressions demonstrated by such incredible individuals.
This will be an art show that will challenge and encourage the participants and viewers alike and may be the first such art contest offered in our area. The Special Needs Art Contest is designed as a way to let these artists express their ideas through art while enhancing creativity.
The subject matter is open to the artist and each artist may submit up to two original pieces. Paintings must be submitted to the Winding River Art Gallery by Oct. 20 and the maximum size is 11-in by 14-in. Paintings must be framed. Gallery-wrapped acrylic or oil paintings do not require frames, but no staples should be seen on side of canvas. There is no cost to enter, but 20 per cent of sales will go to The Winding River Art Gallery. For more additional information please contact Vera at 902-883-8175 or email vera_carver@hotmail.com. The Special
Needs Art Contest will open Oct. 24 and runs to Oct. 31.
The annual Colchester County Art Acquisition Show is coming up on Nov. 10 with the location still to be announced and some details being worked out. This annual show is open to everyone, but artists must apply to participate. All visual artists, from painters and sculptors to rug hookers, carvers and photographers, are encouraged to enter up to three original works of art and there is no entry fee. During the art show, one work of art is selected by the committee and added to the municipality’s permanent art collection located on the main floor of the County of Colchester Courthouse, at 1 Church St., Truro.
As a community, we can be proud of this collection as all of the artwork has been created by local artists, and many of them are nationally or internationally known.
Since 1988, the Art Acquisition Show has been hosted in partnership with the Truro Art Society. The selection committee is comprised of two county councilors, the artist whose work was chosen last year, a representative from Recrea- tion Services, a representative from the Truro Art Society and a professional artist. The final selection is based on quality of the art and the historic development and lifestyle of Colchester County and the medium used.
Last year two paintings were chosen, my “Phantom Ship of the Northumberland Strait” and “Freeze and Thaw” by Christene Sandeson.
For more information about this year’s show and an application for submission please contact Colchester Recreation at 902-897-3185 or email recreation@colchester.ca. For more information about the Art Acquisition Program go to www.colchester.ca /art-acquisition.
Art shows and competitions offer unique opportunities beyond just having your work selected or purchased. The experience helps the individual artist grow personally, developing confidence in their work and striving to improve. The community is also enriched with its involvement and support. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by answering the call!