Annual WFCU Painting Competition draws 73 entries

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a damper on the usual reception night for the annual WFCU Painting Competition at the Leamington Arts Centre, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm for the 31 artists, who submitted 73 pieces to be judged.

The exhibit usually attracts about 60 pieces of art, so the gallery floor was opened up to accommodate as many pieces as possible.

“It’s nice to see that COVID has not affected the spirit and participation of the artists, “said Arts Centre Director and Curator, Chad Riley.

Riley was apprehensive, not knowing how many entries he’d see come in, but was very happy with the response.

Semond by Jeff Snaurwaert.

WFCU Credit Union sponsored the show, and their Manager of Community Investment Beth Ann Prince, said , “As a leader in the community, our goal is to inspire — to provide engaging, entertaining and educational opportunities for people to come together. Supporting initiatives such as the Leamington Arts Centre’s painting competition allows us to do this, despite the new realities COVID-19 has brought to our community.

Though the competition and awards may be presented differently this year, the incredible response by the 31 artists who contributed 73 submissions to this year’s competition is a testament to the ability and influence of the arts to continually encourage creativity, enjoyment and togetherness even in times of uncertainty.

Those 31 artists represented 12 communities from across the region, including five fromLeamington, two from Kingsville and one from Wheatley.

The $500 first prize went to Jeff Snauwaert for his work, ‘Semond’.

COVID Lineup by Dennis Smith

Second place and a $400 prize went to ‘COVID Lineup’ by Dennis Smith.

In third place, winning $300 for her effort, was Kathryn Price for her piece entitled ‘Sticks and Stones’.

‘Wanda’s Crystal Bottle’ by Neil Peter Olsen, garnered an honourable mention. The artwork for this show will be displayed across three galleries in the Arts Centre until Sept. 27.

Sticks and Stones by Kathryn Price

Wanda's Crystal Bottle by Neil Peter Olsen

The public is invited to visit the Arts Centre Wednesday through Friday from 10-5 and from 11-5 on Saturdays and Sundays. Social distancing, mask wearing and COVID-19 protocols are in place.