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Keith Prestone wins Quesnel’s first Paint and Sketch Competition

Twelve local artists took part in the event

Keith Prestone emerged the winner of the first-ever Quesnel Paint and Sketch Competition this past weekend.

The art contest was put on by the Quesnel and District Community Arts Council and organized by Kelly Phillips. It featured 12 local artists painting and sketching in front of an audience in the West Fraser Timber Room at the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre on Saturday (April 6).

Each artist competed in one of three 30-minute rounds, and audience members voted on their favourite from each round. The winner in each round advanced to compete in the fourth and final round.

For the competition, artists had to bring two of their own canvases, their own paints and brushes. The only limitations were that competitors were not allowed to use spray paint or oil paints.

At the end of the night, Keith Prestone finished first, winning a trophy donated by Big Country Printers, as well as a $250 gift certificate from Big Country Printers, which was donated by Books and Company.

Aaron Domanick finished second, while Miranda Marcotte was third, and Brenda Gardiner was fourth.

They received merchandise donated by local businesses.

“It was good,” said organizer and host Kelly Phillips. “It was fun.”

Phillips says she heard the artists enjoyed the event and had some ideas for the next competition.

“We asked the audience to give us some feedback about what could be done since it was our first year,” she said. “Next year, if we do it again, we’re planning to make some tweaks and adjustments.”

Phillips is grateful to everyone who helped with the event.

“I want to thank the businesses and sponsors for donating the prizes and cash and thank the Quesnel and District Community Arts Council, because without them, this never would have happened,” she said.

Phillips thanked and recognized the volunteers, deejay Eric Phillips, Mats Phillips, Marleen Gauthier, Christine Stoltz and Melissa Unrau.

READ MORE: Paint and sketch competition coming up Saturday



editor@quesnelobserver.com

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