Art in the County exhibits artists’ finest works

Don Pinder has been "hanging around" the Art in the County show and sale since its inception 17 years ago. He was at the Picton Town Hall today ensuring everything will be in its place for Friday morning's opening. Sue Capon photo

Don Pinder has been “hanging around” Prince Edward County’s prestigious Art in the County show and sale for the past 17 years, helping organize, set up and display the fine art event since its inception.
Art in the County opens Friday morning and is always a highlight of the summer season, last year attracting some 2500 visitors.
Each year, Art in the County displays the highest quality of work from County artists and artisans. All of the art displayed is carefully chosen by three distinguished and experienced art experts who are professionally qualified jurors. These jurors are solely responsible for the content of the show, the five Jurors’ Choice Awards and five Honourable Mentions.
This years judges include; Pat Durr, an accomplished Artist, Printmaker, Muralist and Curator in Ottawa, George Earl Wale, a Burlington Artist, Sculptor, Curator and a Director of Programs at the Burlington Art Centre and John de Visser, Photographer and Author of numerous books and publications; some of his outstanding collections include “Newfoundland Souvenir,” “Spirit of the Garden,” “Rideau,” “At the Water’s Edge,” and “Summer Cottages,” to name a few.
New this year, is the addition of a Gallery Walk which will take creativity to the streets of Picton with 12 venues participating for all to enjoy and live entertainment at the Art in the County venue in the Picton Town Hall (corner of Ross and King streets) with Naomi Garrett on June 24th and Ken Hudson on July 1st from 5pm – 7pm. Visitors will be encouraged to Share the Canvas on June 24th, pick up a brush and paint whatever they like on the large blank canvas, which will then be silent auctioned off at the end of the show.
Two beautiful pieces of art have been donated for this years raffle prizes, a stunning blown glass vase by Mark Armstrong and a vibrant acrylic painting by Dayna Law.
One of Prince Edward County’s biggest art shows – Art in the County will open June 18th at Picton’s Old Town Hall and is open daily from 10am to 5pm with extended hours on Thursdays till 7pm. Show runs until July 4th, admission is free. For more information go to www.artinthecounty.com Visit www.countylive.ca Friday morning for the annoucement of this year’s jurors’ award winners and honourable mentions.