Shortlist Announced for Open Studio National Printmaking Awards
Best of Canadian Printmaking to be Celebrated at Open Studio’s 100 Prints
On Thursday, May 15, 2014 six talented artists will be recognized for their achievements in printmaking during the seventh annual Open Studio National Printmaking Awards. The ceremony will take place at the Palais Royale in Toronto, at 100 Prints, a fundraising event in support of Open Studio.
A distinguished jury selected the shortlist from prints donated to Open Studio by emerging and established artists from across Canada. The jury members with the difficult task of choosing the award winners were: Darren Alexander, of Tatar Alexander Public Art Management; Pat Feheley, of Feheley Fine Arts; and David H. Kaye, of David Kaye Gallery.
The artists shortlisted for the Open Studio National Printmaking Awards are:
Elizabeth D’Agostino (Toronto, ON)
Elizabeth D’Agostino, rabbit (with wing sack), 2014, screenprint and etching, 30″ x 22″. Courtesy of Open Studio
Doug Guildford (Toronto, ON/Voglers Cove, NS)
Doug Guildford, AQUATIC TWO, 2013, screenprint, 35.75″ x 24″. Courtesy of Open Studio
Dan O’Neill (Halifax, NS)
Dan O’Neill, PAINTBALL SUPPER, 2012, lithograph, 30″ x 41.5″. Courtesy of Open Studio
Kurt Pammer (Toronto, ON)
Kurt Pammer, Humber Skate, 2012, screenprint, 30″ x 42.5″. Courtesy of Open Studio
Dan Steeves (Sackville, NB)
Dan Steeves, I hope you have moments when you take heart, 2012, intaglio and etching, 17″ x 23.5″. Courtesy of Open Studio
Laura Widmer (Kelowna, BC)
Laura Widmer, Pearls, 2013, linocut, 24″ x 24″. Courtesy of Open Studio
“It was a great privilege to participate in this year’s jury for Open Studio’s 100 Prints. I was truly stunned by the overall quality, both technically and in terms of imagery, of the submissions,” said Pat Feheley. “The diversity and accomplishment of these artists is evident and 100 Prints is an exhibition you will not want to miss! Congratulations to all of the artists and to Open Studio for supporting and nurturing the art of printmaking.” David H. Kaye commented: “Jurying this event was an enjoyable time, even though it means making tough decisions to whittle down the number of donated works to only one hundred. The quality and variation of expression is a treat to experience. The talent selected is a wonderful testament to the voracity and efficacy of Open Studio. Congratulations to all who work in any capacity to support 100 Prints.”
Jennifer Bhogal, Executive Director of Open Studio, said, “A heartfelt congratulations to the six shortlisted artists of the 2014 Open Studio National Printmaking Awards. These awards set the standard for excellence in the field of print-based media, and we look forward to presenting them to the deserving recipients. The artists acknowledged this year exemplify the power print holds to inspire appreciation for both the idea realized and the technical mastery employed.” All six shortlisted artists have a chance at winning one of three cash prizes of $3,000 (first prize), $1,500 (second prize) or $500 (third prize), or an honourable mention.
100 Prints. 100 Tickets. 1 Night Only.
Open Studio, a leading non-profit centre for contemporary printmaking practice, provides affordable access to printmaking facilities, programs and services for artists from across Canada and abroad, as well as exhibitions, education programs and print sales. Celebrating the 29th anniversary of the event this year, 100 Prints is Open Studio’s most important fundraising activity, and helps to support this artist-run centre’s vital artistic programming.
The event features 100 original, fine art prints donated by nationally and internationally recognized Canadian artists; because only 100 tickets are sold, each ticket holder is guaranteed to take home an original work of art. Tickets are drawn in random order on the evening of the event; as each ticket is drawn, excited guests have one minute to choose a print.
100 Prints is an event that is often imitated, but never matched. The festive night also includes fabulous prizes, a raffle, delicious hors d’oeuvres from some of Toronto’s most exciting eateries, an open bar, and Members’ Ink, a sale of framed prints specially created by Open Studio artist members specifically for this fundraising event.
Tickets are now available — the $385 ticket price includes admission for two and a guarantee that you will take home an original piece of artwork. As tickets are limited to 100, they sell out fast, and are already going quickly. General admission tickets are also available for $60. For full details or to purchase tickets online, visit www.openstudio.on.ca/100-prints-2014/.