Like a novel that gets better with every page, this year’s edition of Sooke Fine Arts Show added another chapter to a long list of hallmark events.
“The show was a resounding success in all ways,” said Terrie Moore, executive director of the Sooke Fine Arts Society. “We heard many people saying this was the best show ever, especially with the variety of artistic styles represented. The most heard comments were that it was an uplifting show, and it made people happy.”
Although the final attendance numbers haven’t been officially tallied, more than 8,000 people took in the 37th Sooke Fine Arts Show at SEAPARC Leisure Complex, whichn was well above pre-Covid numbers, Moore noted.
The Jurors Awards went to Renewal, by Raina Bird, The Birdman, by Angela Menzies, and Garri li shenn paashk-wow balaansii (Balance of Garry Oak Meadow) by Kristi Bridgeman.
Anna Liubakova took home the Designers’ Choice Award for Persistence of Colour, the Jan Johnson Memorial Award for Social Commentary went to John Robertson for Peritus Est, and Bryan Cathcart received the District of Sooke Award for The Puppet and Puppeteer.
Youth Gallery winners included the Award of Distinction to Mikael Liu for Ben Spencer, and the Inspiration Award to Lily Wilson for Immortality.
“We are so grateful to the volunteers and sponsors who generously donate their time, talents, and resources to showcase the arts and artists of our region, and to make this years show Sooke’s community event of the summer,” Moore said.
Visit sookefinearts.com for a look at other award winners and honourable mentions.
