The ‘people’ choose J. Douglas Thompson

At the close of the 23rd Annual Art in the County Juried Exhibition & Sale, the winner of the coveted “People’s Choice Award” was presented to J. Douglas Thompson, of Bloomfield.

Presented annually to an artist whose artwork receives the most votes from visitors to the show, Thompson’s “The Breakers at Eventide”, an acylic on canvas, was voted the resounding favorite. This is the second time J. Douglas Thompson has won the People’s Choice Award. His work was previously voted the visitor favorite at Art in the County in 2014.

Thompson is an artist and poet who is a painter of “atmospherics” which are presented in the formation of dramatic thunderheads on late summer afternoons or soft loon haunting mists rising off northern lakes in morning quietude.

“He has lived and travelled abroad in more than sixty-five countries and has experienced the eclectic diversity of atmospheric images presented in the vast created natural world,” said AITC Co-Chair, Susanne Barclay. “Captured in acrylic paint, light juxtaposed and rimmed around the blue black depths of storm clouds, shows not only the beauty of contrast, color and value, but metaphorically speaks of hope determined to rise above life’s inevitable struggle.”

In his artist’s statement, J.D says “Nothing moves me more than savoring deeply life’s vast banquet of the lovely sensual five … sight, taste, touch, sound and smell. Each leads me to ponder and yes, stop and worship. The artist’s job is to bring awareness. I dedicate this season of my life to the calling of Awakening Awareness, Encouraging Endurance and Blessing Beauty with Wild Creativity.”

Beverly Skidmore, of Bev Skidmore Real Estate, has sponsored the award since the first Art in the County show 23 years ago.

“We have such a vibrant arts community in Prince Edward County,” says Bev. “I am honoured to support it and present this award on behalf of everyone who cast their vote. It is an affirmation for the artist that their work speaks to such a broad audience,” she added.

Since 1993, the annual exhibition and sale has showcased high quality works of art by the artists and artisans who live in Prince Edward County, and has attracted more than 50,000 visitors to the show.

The 50,000 visitor to the show was Richard Diamond, of the Carriage House Retirement Residence in Cherry Valley.

“He took the opportunity to stop in to see the show as he was running errands in Picton on a very hot afternoon … and was delighted to find out there was more than great art waiting for him,” said Barclay.

AITC Co-Chair, Annik Després, Alex Fida and Monika Fida Feller, owners of Angeline’s Inn and The Hubb Eatery and Lounge in Bloomfield, presented him with a one night stay for two in The Babylon Log Cabin at Angeline’s Inn, plus dinner and breakfast for two at the Hubb Eatery and Lounge … a $650 prize. Ironically, Richard has an artistic connection with Art in the County, having won the People’s Choice Award in 2008 for his photograph “North American and Main”.

“From very humble beginnings 23 years ago, the show has grown in scope and stature,” said Annik Després, co-chair of this year’s exhibition. “Welcoming our 50,000 visitor to the show is a real testament to all of the artists and volunteers who have worked so hard to build such a successful exhibition. “