The Sidney Fine Art Show, now in its 12th year, takes place from Friday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 19.
This year, the show features seven master artists, Noah Layne, Craig Benson, Tara Juneau, Clement Kwan, Leonard Butt, Stephanie Steele and Oak Bay artist Marion Evamy. These artists have been presented with a SFAS major prize at least twice, and are in the running for a prize for best master’s work.
Evamy’s new piece came about from some experimentation based on feedback Evamy received from several collectors who frequent her Oak Bay studio and gallery, said her husband Bobb Hamilton.
The show begins Oct. 16 with an opening night gala reception for sponsors and patrons, who have the first opportunity to view and purchase the artwork chosen for the show.
An awards ceremony follows in the Charlie White Theatre. Prizes are awarded in categories including Best in Show and Best 3-Dimensional work.
Winners will be listed in the show catalogue (they can also be seen at sidneyfineartshow.ca). Each person attending will also get to vote for their favourite piece and that result will be tabulated at the end of the show.
Some 441 artists submitted one or more works, which were judged over a two-day period in September. All of the pieces in the show are for sale, ranging from small prints in the $350 range to more imposing pieces from master artists.
Art show chair and show designer Sandy Bligh is one of the more than 300 volunteers who dedicate their time each year.
As the show designer, Bligh creates the look and layout of the show, so that it provides a welcoming and easy-to-follow flow throughout the gallery space.
“My goal in designing the show is to welcome and engage people with the art; inviting them to move through the exhibit by organizing the works in a way that allows each piece to make an individual statement while at the same time blending them within an aesthetically exciting and pleasing grouping,” says Bligh.
Admission at the door is $6 per day or $10 for a three-day pass (children 12 and under are free). Hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.