The Arts Council here has announced the 2009 Jane Graham memorial award goes to Fergus figurative painter and teacher Meredith Blackmore.
Blackmore submitted her application as a request for assistance that would allow her to work in depth with live models to expand her figurative practice.
In particular, she wants to “realize the narrative or ‘storytelling’ possibilities” of models in chosen poses as opposed to the academic study of the figure or working from photographs for commissioned portraits.
The jury was impressed with her desire to challenge herself and to take her painting to a new level.
For 2009, the jury panel also decided upon a special mention award to Guelph painter and graphic designer Jay Lefler.
An active participant in the Spark of Brilliance program, he has planned a field trip to study Canadian art and architecture, with the intent of developing a new direction and style of work based on interpreting external images.
Established in memory of local artist Jane Graham following her death in 2005, the council’s memorial fund is managed by the Guelph Community Foundation.
As a result, Guelph Arts Council is annually able to assist visual artists residing and actively practising in Guelph or Wellington County, helping them to pursue professional development opportunities that will contribute to individual personal artistic growth.
