Art lovers alike will be pleased to hear that the ACACA Northern Zone Show is almost here. From May 1 to 3, artists from in and around the area will be flocking to the Barrhead Seniors Drop-In Centre to view the work of over 35 artists.
Art lovers alike will be pleased to hear that the ACACA Northern Zone Show is almost here.
From May 1 to 3, artists from in and around the area will be flocking to the Barrhead Seniors Drop-In Centre to view the work of over 35 artists. The Northern Show is one of three shows in Alberta, and includes artists north of Hwy. 16.
The show includes sculptures, paintings, mixed media, and digital.
This will be the first year sculptures will be included in the show.
“There was a request by artists to be able to put sculptures in the show as well because it is part of visual arts,” Jo Ann Nanninga, President of the Barrhead Art Club, said. The size of the piece is limited to approximately 25 pounds.
Nanninga said the reason for limiting the size is due to the space available at the final show, which winners chosen by jurors will be entered into.
“In each category the jurors choose the best paintings that go onto the Alberta Wide Show,” Nanninga said. “They also pick the best one of the whole show, and these people receive prizes for different things.”
The event starts on Friday May 1, at 7 p.m. with the opening reception and a short and sweet welcome.
On Sunday the awards are announced, with a short critiquing session at 1:45 p.m. for artists interested in having a juror critique their work. The awards ceremony will take place just prior to the critiquing portion of the afternoon at 1:30.
“Sometimes you want to know why it wasn't picked, or how you can improve something,” Nanninga said about why artists have their work critiqued. “Having it critiqued personally is always beneficial, you have to get a thick skin, and some of the early artists are shy about that and they are nervous about that. It's very much a part of you, and it's hard to have it critiqued.”
Art Clubs volunteer to host the events in their area, Nanninga said, adding it brings much more to the community than just the artists involved.
“I think it's good for us to get exposed to other people's art, and also to have it critiqued and judged amongst its peers, and it gets you to meet other artists,” Nanninga said. “I think it's really good for the community to see the art that is being produced.”
During the event they also learn of other clubs in the area where they are welcome to take workshops and classes to help expand their artistic talents. “It's a good learning experience and a good meeting people experience.”
This year Nanninga said they have a number of youth entering pieces.
“That's really good, and it's really good to promote the arts in younger people as well,” she said, adding it's important because it helps them develop themselves. “And also to be able to express themselves and to find a way for them to be creative.”
The planning for the event started in October.
“It takes a lot of time, and it's a lot of volunteers hours,” Nanninga said.
When it comes to what people should expect, Nanninga said simple, interesting, and creative artworks. “People should expect to see about 80 pieces of interesting art from all of northern Alberta.”
The event is free, and is running Friday, May 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
