The inspiration of local subject matter and a growing artistic status for the Elora Centre for the Arts has made the third Shirley Dilworth Jaychuk painting competition an overflowing success.
With 110 submissions from 68 artists, the Jaychuk competition, slated to appear in the Minarovich Gallery, has now grown to add a second showing called Exhibit B, in the upstairs stage room of the centre.
The subject of the competition must reflect the small town character of Elora and Fergus and the rural environs within the boundaries of Centre Wellington Township. For an entry fee of $20 for up to two entries, artists were invited to create representational paintings, either realism or impressionism, in paint mediums such as acrylic, oil, pastel or watercolour, expressing the subject.
“We’ve had a response not only from local artists, but also from painters across the province,” said Arlene Saunders, general manager of the centre, explaining the reason for the impromptu second show. “It is a celebration of the calibre of artistic pieces submitted for the competition, due in large part to the organizing committee’s decision to open the entry to artists beyond Wellington County.
“We’ve had a response not only from local artists, but also from painters across the province.”
Exhibit B will showcase the paintings not selected for the main exhibition, allowing audiences the opportunity to appreciate the works of landscapes and scenery representing this region. “It’s limited exposure to artwork the public may never get a chance to see here again,” said Saunders. “I hope people will have an affinity to the pieces, recognizing 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the images. People may want to purchase some of these original paintings, as having been painted in the last two years this artwork represents a historical view of Centre Wellington’s landscape right now.”
The Shirley Dilworth Jaychuk competition’s benefactor, Stan Jaychuk created the juried show in honour of the memory of his wife, and has offered substantial monetary prizes, including $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $300 for third, helping to make the event a reputable one for professional artists.
“I think the prize alone has upped the ante a little, with more professional artists applying to be a part of the event,” said Saunders. “Most of the artists are thrilled to have Exhibit B give them a chance to present their work to an audience.”
Thirty paintings have been selected for the Jaychuk competition featured in the Minarovich Gallery from Nov. 10 to Dec. 4. Jurors Ann Roberts, Eileen MacArthur and Linda Risacher Copp will decide the winners.
Despite not being in the running for the large cash prizes, audiences for the Exhibit B showing will have an opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice award, to be drawn on Nov. 15. The prize for the winning artist will be a $200 framing certificate.
The painting competition and Exhibit B will be open to the public with free admission from Nov. 10 to Dec. 4, running simultaneously. With regret, the centre noted that Exhibit B does not have wheelchair accessibility. For more information on the competition, visit www.eloracentreforthearts.ca.
