Artists across B.C.’s many coastal islands are heeding the call to artists for the 2017 Sooke Fine Arts Show, with work being accepted online now through June 5 for the jury panel’s consideration.
Online submissions opened mid-February for the show and sale, which features 375 pieces of juried original fine art in a variety of mediums – from oil painting and wood sculpture, to intricate fibre pieces and hand-formed jewelry.
Now in its 31st year, the Sooke fine Arts Show will take place from July 28 to Aug. 7, at SEAPARC Leisure Complex, transforming 16,000 square feet of arena space into a world-class fine art gallery complete with a gift shop, bistro, special events for children and seniors, daily live artist demonstrations, lectures and music.
“We’ve seen a wonderful range of submissions from traditional to contemporary and a number of new artists entering their work in the past few years,” said Christa Rossner, executive director of the Sooke Fine Arts Society.
“The range and means of expression has been truly inspiring for arts students, patrons and those who wish to glimpse our world through the eyes of today’s artists.”
This year’s jurors have a wide breadth of knowledge and experience, and are recognized nationally and internationally for their contribution to the arts.
They include:
• Richard Hunt, a multidisciplinary artist who has received a profusion of prestigious national awards as well as recognition from the Royal Academy of the Arts for outstanding artistic achievement in the visual arts.
• Carol Koebbeman, a contemporary portrait and figurative oil painter and teacher, with a wide ranging background including fibre arts, jewelry and contemporary furniture design.
• Jock Hildebrand, a sculptor, painter and champion for the arts whose public installations can be found in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Artwork submitted must have been completed within the last 18 months and not have been shown in any other major juried art show on lower Vancouver Island.
Upgrades to the youth art gallery will allow 200 pieces of artwork from Sooke, Colwood and Langford area high schools to be accepted into the show.
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Important Dates for Artists
Deadline for Submission: Midnight, Monday, June 5
Online Submission: sookefinearts.com
Online notification of accepted artworks: Tuesday, June 13
Show Dates: Friday, July 28 – Monday, Aug. 7
