BRAMPTON -
The walls at Beaux-Arts Brampton will be covered with more than 50 pieces of art at its Open Juried Show, running from April 1 to May 3.
This is the first year of the show, but the response overwhelmed organizers, with upwards of 280 entries from artists across southwestern Ontario.
“There aren’t that many juried shows around, so we felt there was a gap we could fill,” said Susan McCrae, chair of the juried show committee. “There is the (Art Gallery of) Peel show, which is very popular, but we felt there was room for another.”
Holding an annual juried show that is open to all artists has been a longtime goal of members at Beaux-Arts Brampton. Organizers put out a call for entries in January in art magazines and bulletins for art associations. Artists were welcome to submit a maximum of two works in any media, except photography and video.
“I hoped for 200 entries, so we’re thrilled there was more than that,” McCrae said. “About half are from the Brampton area, but others come from places like Guelph, Hamilton, Barrie, St. Catharines and Toronto. There are paintings of all descriptions, sculptures, textiles and original prints.”
The show committee wanted credible jurors, according to McCrae, so they went with Christine Boyanoski, an art historian and former curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Brian Smith, an Ontario-based artist and art instructor.
The committee also wanted respectable prize money, with $500, $300 and $200 for the top three entries. Many artists will also receive gift certificates for honorable mentions.
Admission is free to the public for the juried show. Not only will guests be able to see a variety of artwork, they also have a chance to take one, or several, home as the entries will be available for purchase.
“People will see some of the best art from southwestern Ontario in this show,” McCrae said. “There will be a great variety that will be well selected by the two jurors. It is also a wonderful opportunity to purchase art to spruce up the house for springtime.”
The reception for the Open Juried Show will be held on April 3 from 6 to 9 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Gallery hours for the Open Juried Show at Beaux-Arts Brampton, 70 Main St. N. are Tuesday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, contact the gallery at 905-454-5677 or visit www.beaux-artsbrampton.com.
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