Some of the Mid Island's top artists will be competing for the grand prize at the Federation of 91原创 Artists juried art show, June 16 to July 23.
The works, chosen by FCA judges, will be on display at the Nanaimo Art Gallery Malaspina campus location. The show is titled Through Island Eyes and contains a wide variety of two-dimensional works.
Judge Sherry Mitchell, a senior associate member of the FCA, said being part of the selection committee is fun.
"It's a benefit, an achievement and a real responsibility," she said. 'It's also great fun. You see just about every style and level."
The FCA is a national arts organization with about 2,200 members. There are 10 chapters in B.C. and four chapters on the Island. The Nanaimo chapter has about 100 members in the mid Island area. To be part of the show, members will submit their work to the jury-- made up senior and associate FCA members. Once approved, they will be judged in the show. There are usually about 50 to 60 paintings. Membership in the FCA has many advantages. There are workshops and learning opportunities in addition to the juried shows, usually held twice annually in Nanaimo. Mickie Acierno and Therese Johnston are two Nanaimo painters who have recently become associate members. In order to reach that level, painters must successfully make it into eight juried shows.
"It wasn't easy," Johnston said, of making it into the associate level. She's been a member of the group for more than 20 years. "In this group standards are extremely high. That's what makes us different from a lot of groups that just get together and paint.
"It helps keep you focused. When you get an award, you think, 'hey I'm on the right track.'"
"It's a great help in getting to know the local community," Acierno said. "You're meeting so many people and getting to know them and making life-long friendships. It also gives you credit with galleries, representatives and collectors. You become more and more appreciative of other people's styles."