To celebrate Burns Lake's centennial, 20 of the region’s finest artists will square off this summer in a plein air art competition.
Participants in the Search for Burns Lake’s Centennial Artist contest have been assigned to one of four plein air (outdoor) heats slated for July in Burns Lake’s Spirit Square.
“We’re amazed by the depth of the talent pool,” Michael Riis-Christianson, curator of the Lakes District Museum & Gallery, said.
The contestants will have four hours to create a piece of two-dimensional art that wows a three-person jury. The best work in each heat will earn its creator a spot in the semi-finals on August 12.
The three best artists will go through to the August 26 final at the Lakes District Museum.
“Creating a finished work of art in a few hours isn’t easy,” noted Riis-Christianson. “Add to that the difficulties associated with working outdoors—changing light, variable weather, insects, and spectators, to name a few and you have an event that will challenge even the most accomplished artist.”
The museum society is encouraging other artists to paint, sketch, or print along with the 20 contestants. As an incentive, the wildcard artist who creates the best work at each plein air session will receive a $50 prize and a chance to earn a spot in The Search for Burns Lake’s Centennial Artist semi-final.
A total of $11,750 in prizes and artist gratuities will be available when the plein air events kick off in July. The grand prize is a $2,000 commission to create a work of art reflecting Burns Lake’s first century.
Prizes will also be awarded to the first runner-up, honourable mention, wildcard winner, Junior Centennial Artist, and fan favourite.
For more information about the event contact the museum by telephone at 250-692-7450 or email (ldmuseumsociety@gmail.com).
