ELORA – Young artist Juliet Zimmerman’s month-long artwork won the Insights People’s Choice Award worth $300 on June 21.
The Elora Fergus Arts Council announced the winner at the Wellington County Museum, where the exhibition has been open to the public since April 18.
Over the course of 10 weeks, 1,173 ballots were submitted by visitors, deciding on their favourite piece.
“I’m really glad I did it, it’s been a really great experience,” Zimmerman told the Advertiser.
The gallery had over 70 pieces of art, ranging in various mediums.
Paintings, sculptures, photographs, quilted pieces and much more have been on display for the 43rd Annual Insights Juried Exhibition of Fine Arts.
Artists of various ages submitted their work to the exhibition, many for the very first time.
Zimmerman was among the first timers, ultimately winning her first award.
“I’ve never really thought about putting my stuff in a gallery before,” Zimmerman added.
She originally began the painting for her mom, who wanted a huge portrait of their dog Joni.
Zimmerman is a self-taught artist who was doing pet portraits for people to pay for her schooling.
The artwork shows Joni swimming in Lake Huron.
“I wanted to make it special in the way that it represented something my dog really liked, which is swimming,” Zimmerman said.
The day her painting is based on, is one she holds close to her heart.
“We had a great day out in Lake Huron, and we had a lot of fun as a family together,” Zimmerman said. “I painted that and just wanted to make my mom happy.”
Zimmerman is currently in school for psychology, as she never wanted to pursue art as a career.
“I find that if I were to put that much into it, I don’t know if I would have as much passion for it anymore,” she added.
As for submitting art again, Zimmerman has been thinking about doing so but is focussed on finishing her fourth year at school.
“It’s definitely shown me a different perspective, especially with the local art that all these people do … I’m always wondering what would happen if I was just creating full-time,” Zimmerman said.
People’s Choice Award sponsor Jean Innes awarded Zimmerman in front of family members, other artists and members of the Elora Arts Council.
“When I walked into this room, the first thing I saw was your painting,” Innes said during the award presentation.
Innes was thrilled that Zimmerman won the award and “adored” her artwork.
The piece is not for sale as its original intent was for her mother’s kitchen wall.
Although she enjoys pet portraits, she would like to experiment with other avenues in her art.
The exhibition ends on June 30 and is open to the public for viewing.
Insights encourages local artists to submit their work to showcase as the exhibit is one of the longest running juried art exhibitions in Ontario.
For more information on how to submit artwork visit insightsart.ca/artists.
