The Sooke Fine Arts Show (SFAS) celebrates its 37th anniversary event later this month, welcoming visitors to enjoy hundreds of pieces of art from around 250 artists.
“In general, what makes the Sooke Fine Arts Show unique is the wide variety of works of many different styles, from oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings to hand-made jewellery, from wood carvings to sculpture of all sizes, from wearable fibre art to glasswork and photography,” said Terrie Moore, executive director.
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| Brett Borrie, silversmith, shares techniques with a youth at one of the artist demos at the 2019 Sooke Fine Arts Show. (Serena Laur) |
“On top of that we feature musical performers from the lower island, so the show is a feast for the ears as well as the eyes! Every year three different jurors are chosen to review and select the works, so their differing perspectives and critical eyes make every show very different.”
Moore said the works featured are all original, have not been shown in another major, juried show, and are created within the 18 months prior to the show’s start, ensuring audiences get a glimpse at something fresh.
The artists come from Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal islands — up to and including Haida Gwaii. Some standouts this year include established sculptor, Leonard Butt, whose 3D sculptures tend to explore the human form in whimsical ways; show debutante, Sydnie Johnson, a ceramic artist who melds science and art by carving the cellular structure of plants into her clay; and emerging artist, April Winter, whose futuristic works take us into imaginary worlds.
There are also some notable wood-working artists: Wayne Halabourda creates furniture that defies traditional lines; and well-known Kwakiutl carver Richard Hunt will present traditional, dynamic works (like masks) often made out of red cedar and paint.
SFAS was conceived by the Sooke Region Historical Society to shine a light on the many creative artists in the region every year.
The show takes place at SEAPARC Leisure Complex – 2168 Phillips Road, Sooke on July 28 to Aug. 7. Learn more: sookefinearts.com.