“There was a real sense of anticipation and energy throughout the evening,” said County Arts Programs Manager Sarah Burtscher of the grand opening of the 33rd Art in the County exhibition. “We set a new opening night sales record.”

This year’s exhibition features work selected by three independent jurors from nearly 200 submissions by 117 artists. 

For Ms. Burtscher, one of the exhibition’s greatest strengths is that it never looks the same twice.

“Each year we invite three new jurors to select the exhibition,” she said. “Every jury brings a fresh perspective, so the show looks completely different from year to year. It’s always exciting to see the conversations that emerge between works and discover new artists alongside familiar favourites.”

That fresh perspective is reflected in a collection showcasing artists at every stage of their careers.

“A group exhibition celebrates the artwork being created by County Arts members right now,” Ms. Burtscher said. “It showcases an incredible range of styles, media and perspectives. We have artists who have been developing their practice for decades exhibiting alongside artists showing their work publicly for the first time. That diversity is what makes the exhibition so engaging.”

Jurors also recognized artists across a variety of media through this year’s sponsored awards.

Gabriela Mueller received the Don Watson Award for Spring at the Dunes, an oil painting, while Tommy Feiler earned the Akasha Art Projects Award for She Loved Us, an archival pigment print. Marta Mouka received the Carson Arthur Award for Building a Nest, a textile work, while Katherine Thomas-Cummings was presented with the Oeno Gallery Award of Excellence for Connections, a tapestry, and Carl Wiens received the Jurors’ Choice Award for 12 Local Warblers (banded at PEPtBO), an acrylic painting.

Honourable mentions went to Diane Cole for Spring Thaw, Gosia Kosciolek for her ceramic sculpture, Becoming Blooms, and Julie Seddon for I Remember.

This year also marks two significant new developments for the exhibition. First, Research Casting International (RCI) joined Art in the County as presenting sponsor.

The company “wants to explore additional ways to support artists through County Arts,” Ms. Burtscher says. “We’re excited to continue building this partnership.”

County Arts also expanded eligibility this year, welcoming artists living within an 80-kilometre radius of Picton.

“Expanding the eligibility requirements removes boundaries to reflect our growing membership,” Ms. Burtscher said. “By welcoming County Arts artists from neighbouring communities, the exhibition will evolve into a truly regional platform, attracting new audiences, strengthening partnerships and further positioning Prince Edward County as a significant contributor to Canada’s artistic landscape.”

Since launching in 1993, Art in the County has welcomed more than 68,000 visitors, showcased more than 2,700 works of art and generated more than $450,000 in sales. The annual exhibition is the Arts Council’s signature fundraising event and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape.

“We hope visitors feel inspired and connected to the incredible creativity on display at Art in the County,” Ms. Burtscher said. “Whether you’re an experienced collector or simply curious about art, there’s something for everyone. We encourage people to take their time, discover artists they may not know, and enjoy seeing such a diverse collection of contemporary work in one place.”

Before leaving, visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork in the People’s Choice and Children’s Choice awards, with winners to be announced July 12.

Art in the County continues through July 12 at the County Arts Lab in The Armoury, 206 Picton Main Street. The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing at 5 p.m. on Sundays and 2 p.m. on July 12, the final day. Admission is pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $5 per adult.