There was a big turnout for the opening of the Quesnel Art Gallery’s latest show featuring a juried exhibition by the Federation of Canadian Artists Central Interior Chapter.
More than 50 people attended the evening opening for “This is Where I Live” on Thursday, May 12.
“It was an amazing turnout,” said Quesnel Art Gallery director Marguerite Hall.
“I think that people are ready to get out and enter the art world again, especially for a show like this with professional artists.”
The Central Interior Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) was formed several years ago.
Based in Prince George, it has professional member artists from across the region, including Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Mackenzie and Lac la Hache.
“I’m quite pleased with how the show came out,” said Quesnel artist Fred Paulson.
Before the opening, Paulson had helped hang up the various breathtaking pieces with fellow local artists Megan Long and Maureen Wheeler.
His pastel on pastelmat piece “Bee’s Eye View” won first place.
“I just never stopped painting and drawing,” Paulson said, noting art has been part of his life since grade school.
Paulson has a home studio and is a graphic artist at Big Country Printers, which sponsored the Quesnel Art Gallery’s latest show.
“It’s great to have the caliber of the artists from the Federation of the Canadian Artists here,” said business owner Gilbert Schotel.
“It’s super to see that, and it’s super to see them being displayed in Quesnel and seeing the art community flourish.”
Long and Wheeler received an honourable mention for their acrylic on canvas paintings.
The FCA has four distinct levels of membership, starting with supporting status that provides discounts on workshops, talks, and classes.
Long and Prince George artist Jeanette Orydzuk said to advance to the next level of active status, which allows artists to be eligible to submit to FCA exhibitions you must be juried on ten pieces of work.
Once obtaining active membership, you must then gain seven points within four years by submitting seven pieces of art to a number of shows. After achieving the seven points, you must once again complete ten pieces of work to be juried to advance to the next level of membership.
“I think it helps to move you forward with your artwork,” Long said of being a member of the FCA that also provides a sense of camaraderie with other like-minded artists.
“And it keeps you accountable,” Orydzuk added. “Instead of ‘I’m tired and lazy today, and I’m not going to do it’, it keeps you making work.”
The juried exhibition runs at the Quesnel Art Gallery until Friday, June 10.
Read More: Quesnel artists display an eclectic of work at Quesnel Art Gallery
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