The Prince Edward County Arts Council announced details about its 26th annual Art in the County juried show and sale Thursday and it’s hoped by organizers this year’s event is as successful as last year’s show.

The 2018 edition of Art in the County showcased 120 pieces of art by 86 County artists and the Art Council hopes for the same success for the 2019 exhibition. 

“Art in the County is one of the arts councils signature events,” said Walter Thompson, treasurer of the Arts Council. “It offers local artists the opportunity to participate in a professional juried exhibition that, since 1993, has generated over $300,000 dollars in sales of local art.”

Art in the County will inaugurate ‘The Mess Hall’ this year, a new multipurpose event space at the Armoury Mall at 206 Main Street, Picton. 

The exhibition will run from June 21 to July 7, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily (until 5 p.m. on Sundays and until 2 p.m. on July 7). 

The hall is wheelchair accessible and there’s free parking in the Mary Street Municipal lot. 

TALKING ART- (From Left) Prince Edward County Arts Council treasurer Walter Thompson, Co-Chair of Art in the County Sue Barclay. Janna Smith Executive Director of the Arts Council, Shelagh Mathers and sponsor Sandy Murray at the 2019 Art in the County launch. (Desirée Decoste/ Gazette Staff)

“Anyone who has the opportunity to see the development of the Armoury as it evolves will be very, very impressed,” stated Thompson. “Not only by the look of the building but by the quality of the product, it will be a real boost to Art in the County and the town of Picton to have it completed.”

The three Canadian art professionals who will serve as jurors for this year’s exhibition include Toronto-based painter Rebecca Last, Fynn Leitch who serves as curator at Art Gallery of Peterborough and Cheryl Wilson-Smith a Glass Artist from Red Lake, ON.

The organizing committee is pleased to welcome the return of Welch LLP as the 2019 presenting sponsor. 

For over 15 years, Welch LLP (previously through Murray & Associates) has supported Art in the County and the Art Council is grateful for their continued support. 

“I’ve been involved with the show for 16 years, and I’m always delighted to see it grow and evolve over time,” said Sandy Murray, partner at Welch LLP. “I’m also a firm believer that where you have a healthy artistic community you have a very healthy business environment involved community, which is what we have in Prince Edward County. I wish the organization continued success and congratulations.”

 New to the show this year is the Maison Depoivre award which is made possible by Gallery owners Vincent Depoivre and Christoph Doussot. 

The award will be given to an artist who’s work demonstrated technical skill originality, is risk taking and thought provoking. 

The winner of this award will be invited to display their work on a  wall at Maison Depoivre Gallery for the remainder of the 2019 season.

“The artistic passion in Prince Edward County can’t be underestimated,” added Steve Ferguson, Mayor of Picton. “It creates vitality and enthusiasm as one of the many reasons people come here to participate in our life style and experience all the wonderful things we can provide. I very much look forward to the first day of summer, June 21 on the opening night and coming and seeing all the wonderful work.”

Admission will be $3 for adults and free for children 12 years and under. 

All art pieces are for sale and the organization accepts Visa and MasterCard for all art purchases.

Registration for Art in the County opened Thursday and entry deadline for submitting the registration form and payment is Jun 7 at 12 p.m. Please visit  www.artinthecounty.com for more information and to read eligibility requirements and conditions. 

Online submissions are encouraged.