The Art Gallery of Bancroft is delighted to again host the annual exhibition of artwork from four high schools in the area, as well as home-schooled students. Participating schools this year include North Hastings High School in Bancroft, Madawaska Valley District High School in Barry’s Bay, Haliburton Highlands Secondary School in Haliburton and Centre Hastings Secondary School in Madoc, as well as home-schooled students.
This years’ exhibition juror was artist Diane Woodward of Madoc. Diane’s art is bold and visually stunning. She operates “Art Below” in Madoc, and has been featured on the television shows “Steven and Chris” and “Cottage Cheese”.
Juror Dianne Woodward discusses her award selections at the Opening Reception
Juror Woodward had a difficult time selecting award winners from the talented submissions in the three categories. After much deliberation, she announced her selections to the waiting throng. Below are the award winners together with Ms. Woodward’s judging notes
The Art Gallery of Bancroft has been holding the student exhibitions since the early 1990s. Since the passing of artist and gallery committee member Michal Manson in February 2010, the student exhibition has been named in her honour.
Manson arrived at Wilfrid Laurier University in 1973 as an artist-in-residence, later joining the faculty as a studio instructor of drawing and painting. Manson created and ran an ersatz gallery at Laurier, organizing and chairing a selection jury and setting up the numerous exhibitions. This initial gallery later became the University’s Robert Langen Art Gallery. Manson retired to Bancroft in 2005. She exhibited her last one-person show, titled “Michal Manson Retrospective,” at the gallery in 2007.
Many thanks to AGB Student Exhibition Coordinator Isla Key for her dedication, enthusiasm and energy in bringing this annual event to fruition.
The AGB also acknowledges with appreciation the support of the Show sponsor, Don Koppin General Contractor, for his continuing generous support of this important event in the AGB’s annual exhibition schedule.
First Prize
Mixed Media
“Letting Go” by Naomi Russell
Eyes & colour and weirdness draw you across the room then reward you with well painted and interesting detail. Burnt dandelions are original and very strange. Lots going on but narrative does not overwhelm the painting.
Drawing
“40 Things” by Ariel Weis
Has longing & mystery. Intelligent without being heavy-handed. Good juxtaposition of bold black geometric with feathery black and white on light detail. This intriguing drawing speaks with subtlety
Painting
“Mezmer-eyes” by Samantha Douglas
The eyes grab you from across the room, then the head scarf become a snake and only then do we see the head of the snake too close to us, with its more powerful eyes. This is enhanced by the maniacal detail of the snake’s scales. The commitment to the scales is really good. And they do not diminish the snake form.
Second Prize
Painting
“Floral Hummingbird” by Cassidy Croghan
Lovely use of “one thing being another” with Flower Powery Peter Maxness. Fun & pretty eye-candy (eye-candy is good).
Drawing
“The Hiker” by Christina Stephen
Has a sense of adventure. The etherealness of what can happen on a trip. Sharp mountains & hair vs the fuzziness of the unknown. Took some chances on composition that paid off.
Mixed Media (printing ,collage, photography, sculpture)
“The Fish” by Matthew Manning
I like it, good colour, and bold graphic over soft detail. Fish is a great subject for repetition. This has good variation and energy
Honourable Mention
Drawing
“Self Portrait” by Brynn Meyers
The still, monumental, masculine figure is violently sliced with feminine energy. Nice rhyming between landscape & arena and hockey stick & toe shoes.
Mixed Media
“The Horse” by Hannah Maynes
Good use of bright colours in proximity. Nice diversity in repetition.
Painting
“Colourful Kitch” by Jade Shatraw
Interesting painting from observation. It has strength and interest, a real plastic solidity. Good use of pattern & flat. When you get close to it, it has secrets.