The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council is putting out a call for submissions ahead of the eighth annual community art show.
The theme for this year’s show is “things that make your heart smile,” and Courthouse Art Gallery curator Meriel Barber said anyone in the community can bring in pieces to include in the multi-media show.
“It does not have to be something you hang on the wall. It’s an expression of creativity. Art has lots of different faces and we’re just hoping to see some of the ones that make us smile too,” Barber said. “It’s not a big social statement, it’s about community wellness.”
People can opt to sell their art through the show with a 20 per cent commission to the gallery.
There are also three prizes to be given out this year: a $50 award for best art by a youth artist (under 16); best of the show, worth $100; and the viewer’s choice, which gallery attendees can vote on, for $150.
At least three judges will make up the panel of community members (artists or not) that will score pieces for the youth and best of show prizes. As of Thursday, the panel remained to be determined.
They will score work on criteria such as balance, colour and professional presentation.
“They may be artists or they can be simply interested community members because the criteria will help them decide numerically on different aspects of the art,” Barber said.
The show will accept just about all types of artwork, provided they’re original works.
“People who take pride in their skills as wood crafters and carvers and sculptors and quilters and beaders and all of those kinds of things are more than welcome to bring what they have created,” she said. “We might get some amazing surprises — you never know.”
Anyone interested in submitting artwork for the show should stop in at the gallery on Nicola Avenue. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 5, when it will be open specially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accept works.
Barber noted all fine framed art should be wired and ready to hang.
The Courthouse Art Gallery is open Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The show kicks off on Feb. 6 and runs until Feb. 28. The gallery will host a reception on Feb. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.
