The Sooke Fine Arts Society is pleased to confirm the new juror panel for the 2013 Sooke Fine Arts Show. The jury, which includes Ellen Manning (Emerging Art Gallery, Victoria), Mary Jo Hughes (Legacy Art Gallery, Victoria) and Nigel Prince (Contemporary Art Gallery, Vancouver), brings an exciting blend of perspectives to this year’s show, which runs from July 26 – August 5.
“We’re delighted to be able to confirm the participation of such an eminent group of jurors,” says Janet Rayner-Thorn of the society’s adjudication committee. “All three bring a wealth of experience to the table, and a vast range of expertise from the classical to the contemporary. I think the 2013 show will be quite unique – we’re excited to see the selections.”
Each year, a new panel of three jurors is invited to select the artwork that will be exhibited in the sprawling gallery in the SEAPARC Leisure Complex. More than 1,300 submissions pour in from all of B.C.’s coastal islands, from across Vancouver Island, the Queen Charlottes and Gulf Islands.
Jurors choose from submissions across a wide range of visual fine arts media, including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramic, glass, jewellery, fibre and mixed media, and award cash prizes totalling more than $12,000 to outstanding pieces in various categories.
“A new and independent jury plays a big role in what makes the Sooke Fine Arts Show so special,” says Show Coordinator Catherine Keogan. “This year’s jurors have quite eclectic backgrounds, with a great deal of international experience as well.”
“B.C.’s coastal islands have long held a special attraction for artists, and some of the best art in Canada is coming from this region,” notes Ms Keogan. “It will be very interesting to see how the jurors interpret such a wide range of talent.”
About the Jurors
Nigel Prince is entering his third year as Executive Director of Vancouver’s Contemporary Art Gallery. He brings a wealth of international art experience to this year’s show, having previously collaborated with many museums and galleries worldwide.
Mary Jo Hughes is the Director of the University of Victoria’s Art Collections, which consists of about 27,000 works of art. With an academic background in the arts, she has taught Canadian Art History at both the University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba. Her enthusiasm in showcasing regional artists is truly inspiring.
Ellen Manning is the founding Director of the Victoria Emerging Art Gallery, located on Victoria’s popular Fort Street. Ms Manning’s interest in contemporary art has taken her around the world—from Europe to Asia.
Submissions are currently under way, and will remain open until June 7, 4pm.
For more information visit www.sookefinearts.com.
