The Sooke Fine Arts Show (SFAS) is back and looking for artists to fill its gallery.
“Each year the call to artists is the first step in building excitement for the upcoming show,” said Jennifer Hayward, executive director of SFAS.
“We’re thrilled to invite returning and new artists to submit their work for review by our esteemed jury panel.”
The annual art show is a volunteer-driven event showcasing art and culture produced by artists residing on Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal islands.
This year Sooke will welcome esteemed art professionals Ken Gillespie, Razali May and Beth Stuart to join the SFAS panel. The trio will select over 350 fine art pieces for display and sale.
More than $12,000 in awards will be given out across many categories including: Art Excellence, Social Commentary, Designer’s Choice and People’s Choice.
Artists whose work is accepted will be able to offer unique items for sale through the show’s gallery gift shop and are “encouraged to share their talents and techniques via talks, demonstrations or guided tours during the event.”
The SFAS show has grown tremendously, becoming a staple in the community over its 39 years of showcasing art in the Sooke area.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a tremendous increase in attendance, with upwards of 8,000 people attending the show. This has helped establish the Sooke Fine Arts Show as a highly anticipated event for attendees, buyers, collectors, and artists alike,” said Hayward.
Submissions to the SFAS are open now to artists living on B.C.’s coastal islands, including Haida Gwaii, who are working in a range of mediums from painting and sculpture to fiber arts and hand-crafted jewelry. Artist submissions will close at midnight on June 1.
The SFAS will be held at Sooke’s SEAPARC leisure complex from July 26 through Aug. 4.
“The venue will be transformed into a world-class art gallery, offering an engaging and vibrant experience for both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers alike,” Hayward stated in a press release from SFAS.
