Art in the County

Arts Council launches 2024 season in a new space

The Prince Edward County Arts Council launched its thirty-first season of Art in the County last Wednesday from its new exhibit space on the main floor of The Armoury in Picton. Mayor Steve Ferguson, local business sponsors and members of the Arts Council board attended the launch of the new space, which coincided with the call for submissions for this year’s Art in the County, the largest exhibition of juried artworks in eastern Ontario. The Art in the County show and sale will take place from June 21 to July 2. Arts Council Executive Director Janna Smith was thrilled to open the new space, which she said was the result of a great deal of work by board members and volunteers. It will be a multi-use space that will host live performances such as music and dance, as well as workshops and exhibitions. New board chair Julia Howell said the space will allow artists from all disciplines to share their passion with the community and provide opportunities for mentorship. “Arts are at the core of what makes this a creative place. From Barley Days to viniculture, creativity has been what’s driven this community forward, and County Arts is all about recognizing that and cultivating in for future life in the County for all of us,” she said.

Arts Council Executive Director Janna Smith (centre) gets ready to cut the ribbon to open the new exhibition space in the Armoury in Picton. Also pictured are (L-R): Heather McCorquodale, Stacey Sproule, Julia Howell, Catelyn Thornton, Mayor Steve Ferguson, Mark Rose and Andrea Dawes.

Mayor Ferguson brought greetings and support from the municipality. He stressed the importance of the arts in the community, which he likened to a rich tapestry that celebrates the heritage, tradition and diverse identities of the community. “This space will serve as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement, where creative people can come together. The arts foster connections and has been an economic driver in the County. Engaging with art enhances our well-being, reduces stress, boosts creativity and provides an emotional outlet. The arts nourish our minds and our souls,” he said. “The arts are a life-long journey and there’s always something to be discovered. Workshops, lectures and exhibitions keep our minds curious and engaged. The arts are the heartbeat of our community and it connects us all.” He noted that over the years, more than 63,000 people have attended Art in the County, and artists have collectively made over $400,000 in sales.

This year’s Art in the County will by curated by Sonja Scharf and Kelly Kyle of Akasha Art Projects and Jim Turner of 2Gallery. The art pieces will be selected by a panel of three jurors: Aylan Couchie is a writer and interdisciplinary artist from Nipissing First Nation; Darren Rigo is a photographer whose work is inspired by the urban and natural environment; and Claire Kyle is a curator and art dealer for the Art Gallery of Ontario. The jurors will also choose one submission for the Jurors’ Choice Award, and three Honourable Mention awards. In addition there will be a People’s Choice Award and a Children’s Choice Award. There will also be a number of other sponsored awards, including the Maison Depoivre Award, the Carson Arthur Award, the Akasha Art Projects Award and the Oeno Gallery Award of Excellence. The public is invited to nominate a County resident for the Community Arts Builder Award. This award recognizes an individual who has enriched community life through the arts. Previous recipients are Peter and Alice Mennacher, Krista Dalby, Hri Neil, Kato Wake, Sarah Moran and Bruce Dowdell.

Arts Council board chair Julia Howell said the new location on Main Street will further the Council’s vision to bring the arts to all residents. “We want the arts to be at the centre of life in the County. We are working with the County on a public art plan. We want to see art all over the place, on the street and in people’s daily lives,” she said. For more information, please visit artinthecounty.com.