The Westman Juried Art Show took place this past weekend at the Carberry Community Hall, featuring 90 pieces by local artists from across the Westman Region, and a great turnout from the public to view the show! 

Making up the 90-piece exhibit were 62 pieces from the 17 adult artists,12 pieces from the children's Touchwood Art program from Neepawa, and 16 entries in the youth category. 

Jurors, Barb Flemington (Brandon) and Leona Herzog (Winnipeg) started their own personal tour through the exhibition Friday afternoon, completing their critique of every piece by 1 am Sunday morning!  Not only did they write brief points of praise and suggestions, but they had to decide on the 20 pieces that would make up the 2023-24 travelling art gallery - as well as the 10 that would continue on to compete in the Rural & Northern Art Show in the Fall - no small task given they had a roomful of beautiful pieces and incredible talent to choose from!

Gerry Oliver is the chair for the Arts West Council, host of this weekend’s art exhibition. Oliver says this was one of the best shows ever. 

"I say that because there has been a change over the years to different kinds of subject matter, different techniques, different colors," explains Oliver.  "The inspiration seems to be different than what they were in the past.  Before it was more like rural oil painting but now it's just across the gambit as far as what they're using to make these images, and they are amazing! I love it!"

It's important to remember these are pouring themselves into their artwork just for fun!  A lot of these artists are riding under the radar states Oliver, "and they don't get a lot of opportunity to show their work. So, that's one of the things that the juried art show has done over the years, is giving a platform for people to put their art out there and see what happens."

Some artists might be hesitant to submit their pieces because of the 'juried' aspect of the show.  Oliver reminds those new to the annual event that the juror's comments are meant to always instruct, as the judges are art teachers and artists themselves.

"It's not criticism but providing positive feedback to offer some helpful suggestions that they might want to try in the future, it's meant to encourage them. Don't be afraid, it's an opportunity for growth with your art," shares Oliver. "It's a scary thing, especially for your first time when you're putting yourself out there for public comment, but it's worth it in the end! This is a very supportive group, so I'd say don't be afraid, take a chance!"

For those who have yet to enter their artwork into the Westman Juried Art Show, you might be surprised at how many artists muster up the courage and just do it - complete the piece, have it framed and delivered before the deadline - and if you can submit 2 pieces then just do it!  Dhairya Vaidya is a student at Brandon U, arriving in Canada in December of 2021.  This was his first year of entering the Westman Juried Art Show.

Vaidya received the Best of Show award for his colored self-portrait titled, 'Introspection'.  "It is amazing!  This was actually one of my assignments in my Drawing 2 Course.  We had to draw a portrait from life, but the model which I was going to draw bailed at the last moment, so I had to finish this in one night.  I stayed up all night and finished it enough for the critic.  So, it feels good.  I am a student at Brandon University and doing my major in digital media and design.

Vaidya says he started art classes as a child in his home country of India in his 4th grade, and this is his first official art exhibit in Canada. For those who have never entered the Westman Juried Art Show he also encourages budding artists to be brave.  "Put yourself forward, that's what I've learned about moving to Canada.  If you moved your forward you will succeed!"

The People's Choice Award was given to Killarney artist Jackie Mitchell for her beautiful evening country scene painted in acrylic.

For the new 2023-24 touring season for the Travelling Art Gallery, please visit:  Arts West - Show (artswestcouncil.ca)