The opening of the 2011 juried show, Purely Pastel, at the Neilson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke Ontario on September 29th was a big success. In the afternoon, a dozen keenly interested pastelists were entertained and informed by wildlife artist Kelly Dodge's multimedia presentation of her Artists for Conservation-sponsored trip to the Galapagos Islands and the resulting pastel works. In the evening, a large group of artists, friends, family and press marveled at the diversity of subject and technique illustrated by the 54 works on show, bid enthusiastically on the many items in the silent auction, and enjoyed delicious snacks. The crowd seemed to agree with juror Horace Champagne's selection of works and award winners, as follows:
Ursula Reese Grand Prize: Guo Yue Dou (A Quick Glance)
2nd Prize, sponsored by Pastel Studio Canada: Kathy Dolan (Moose Lake)
3rd Prize: Kelly Dodge (Gentle Giant)
Honourable Mentions: Jenny Angold (The Lake), Seija Biggs (A Stroll Along the Beach), Evalynne McDougall (Quiet Moment)
We also congratulated new Pastel Artists Canada signature members Rey Baecher, Christine Camilleri, Sharon Fox Cranston, Kelly Dodge, Guo Yue Dou, Robin Hamel, Kathy Hildebrandt, Glenda Yates Krusberg, Kim Martin, Jennifer Ross, and Catherine Weber, and new Master Pastelist Roberta Combs.
|
 Guo Yue Dou accepts the PAC $500 Ursula Reese Grand Prize
from PAC President Ruth Rodgers
|
Kathy Dolan wins Second Prize donated by Edward Hanson of The Pastel Studio. Beth Bouffard accepts award in Kathy's absence.
|
|
 Kelly Dodge accepts Third Prize donated by Jack Richeson
|
 PAC members accept their Signature Status certificates
|
| |
Throughout the evening, guests voted on their favourite work of the show, and Christine Camilleri's depiction of an alert bison, The
Watchful One, was the winner of the People's Choice award. Congratulations to all the winners and selected artists! The show continues through October 16th.
Below are a few of the many photos taken at the Exhiition and Silent Auction. To view more photos click here 
To view a slideshow of all works exhibited in this year's Exhibition click here
|
Guo Yue Dou and Kelly Dodge celebrate their wins with Guo's wife, near Kelly's depiction of a giant Galapagos tortoise.
|
Edward Hanson, owner of Pastel Studio Canada, chats with Timothy Daniels and another attendee
|
|
Show-goers examine the beautiful show catalogue, free this year to all who visit the show.
|
Co-chairs of the Exhibition Jessie Grant and Janet Parker enjoy a well-deserved rest and refreshments.
|
|
Madeleine Barg and her husband Walter traveled from Manitoba to enjoy in the show.
|
As the deadline approached, bidding heated up at the silent auction.
|
Add comment!
