Art in the County exhibition opens today

Carrie Taylor and Doug Sloane examine a mixed media piece by Tom Humphries titled Work. Stop Work... Chaos out of order - inspired by the destruction of the Old Brick Church, downtown Picton.

Art in the County’s annual exhibition of excellence is gearing up for its 18th year of showcasing the best of the best for Prince Edward County’s premier art show.

Art in the County, opening Friday in Picton’s Old Town Hall, (above the Picton Fire Hall, corner of Ross and King streets) displays the highest quality of work from County artists and artisans. The artwork displayed is carefully chosen by three distinguished and experienced art experts who are professionally qualified jurors. Art in the County’s 18th annual premier art show is open daily until July 3 in Picton’s Old Town Hall, (above the Picton Fire Hall, corner of Ross and King streets).

Artist Carol Pattrick discusses her work with Art in the County 2011 jurors.

Jurors Jan Allen, Linda Jansma and George Walker reviewed hundreds of entries this week to determine the content of the show, the five Jurors’ Choice Awards and five Honourable Mentions.

Jan Allen is Chief Curator/Curator of Contemporary Art at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University, Kingston. Since 1992, she has organized more than 100 exhibitions and is published widely. Allen’s independent critical writing has been published in Prefix Photo, C Magazine, Artext, and Poliester.

Linda Jansma has been the Curator of The Robert McLaughlin Gallery since 1994. She completed an Honours BA at Queen’s University and a MA at the University of East Anglia. She has curated and produced numerous exhibitions that have travelled nationally and has written essays for catalogues dealing with both historical and contemporary art.

George Walker has taught Book Arts at the Ontario College of Art and Design since 1990. He started Columbus Street Press in 1985 with his wife, Michelle and in 2000 they renamed it Biting Dog Press. George’s award-winning illustrations are alive with their own frenetic energy and reflect his wide visual scholarship and adept technical innovation. George is completing his Masters degree in Communication and Culture and holds the position of Associate Professor, Faculty of Art at OCAD University.

Last year's People's Choice winner, Milé Murtanovski, has provided "Leaning Poles" for this year's silent auction.

The People’s Choice Award, determined by ballots completed by visitors to the art show, is  awarded at the end of Art in the County.  Last year’s winner, Milé Murtanovski, has provided a painting for this year’s silent auction. Works by artists Don Pinder and Judy Plomer have been donated for this year’s raffle prizes

With the success of last year’s Share the Canvas, the hands-on activity will return this year. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a brush and express their creativity on a large blank canvas. Share the Canvas takes place on the Sundays along with live music from Mark Despault on June 19th and Ken Hudson on June 26th. The completed Share the Canvas pieces will be part of a silent auction at the end of the show.

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Works by artists Don Pinder (above) and Judy Plomer (right) have been donated for this year’s raffle prizes

Art in the County volunteers Everett McCrimmon and Anne Sheasby with a whimsical piece by Christine Renaud titled 'Late Nights'