GORE BAY—It is only a matter of time before the annual Manitoulin Plein Air Festival becomes as popular as those in larger areas.
“We’ll have hundreds of artists on hand once word gets out how great it is to create on the Island and how much fun it is,” stated Helen Siksek, main organizer of this year’s festival.
“We all like to paint in the outdoors,” said Ms. Siksek at the awards presentation for the festival, held Saturday, August 2 at Studio 6 in the Gore Bay Harbour Centre. “We as artists love to paint in the outdoors and we do it for the love of painting, being outdoors and for the camaraderie,” she said in welcoming everyone to the annual festival.
“We have wonderful participation this year with between 15-20 artists taking part,” continued Ms. Siksek. She was one of four judges in the competition and recognized the efforts of the other three judges including Cliff Jewell, Perry Patterson and Sharon Preen.
This year’s festival did not have entries in the youth category, but in the new to plein air art, (newcomers, three years or less in plein air art), Denise Zappell took first place, followed by Sally Assinewai and Sylvie Landy in second and third, respectively.
“Many of us here today have been painting 20 years or more,” said Ms. Siksek. In the experienced artist category, Daniel Chapman took first place with Paulette Stewart paintings finishing second and third. Mr. Chapman also received an honourable mention.
The Lampinen Award, presented by artist Sue Lampinen, was presented to artist Daniel Chapman, with honourable mention going to Enid Runnalls.
The People’s Choice award went to artist Debra Lynn Ireland.
