LAC announces WFCU contest

The Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) is currently presenting the 2022 WFCU Credit Union Painting Competition + Exhibit. The Competition + Exhibit is an incredible opportunity for emerging, mid-career and established artists to present their most accomplished works at the LAC for a chance to win cash prizes. The exhibit’s focus is highlighting and celebrating the arts in the region and to offer financial support and an audience for artists. There is $1,000 in cash prizes awarded, sponsored by the WFCU Credit Union.

First place is $500, 2nd place $300 and 3rd place $200. All winners, including Honourable Mention, received an awards certificate to enhance their CV (curriculum vitae) and portfolio.

“To start things off, we would like to send a big thank you to everyone that submitted their beautiful work for the competition,” said Chad Riley, Director/ Curator for Leamington Arts Centre. “This year we received a tremendous response, receiving 100 total entries from 25 artists across 12 different towns and cities.”

“We know that the arts are an essential part of life in any community and for that reason we are very proud to support the Leamington Arts Centre’s annual painting competition,” said Eddie

Francis, President & CEO of WFCU Credit Union. “Congratulations to all participating artists, and to the LAC for coordinating another successful exhibition.”

This year’s judges were Sanja Srdanov, Lyndsay McKay and Jules Roman.

The following are the winners.

Michaela Lucio won first place with “You Are Like Me.”

Second place went to David Wilcox for “Johnny at the Plaza.”

“A Mediation” by Stephen Romanow won third place.

Honourable Mentions went to “Summer Sky” by Jaclyn Abt, and “The SHU” by Anonymous.

The opening reception was on September 9 and the exhibit will be on display until September 18.

The winning artwork from this year’s WFCU competition, created by, from left, Michaela Lucio, David Wilcox, Stephen Romanow and Jaclyn Abt.