The stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the West and East Kootenay will take centre stage at the 2025 Open, Adjudicated Art Exhibit, hosted by Art Gallery Kimberley. From January 30 through February 23, artists from across the region and beyond are invited to display their unique interpretations of ‘Kootenay Landmarks.’

This annual event is not only a celebration of the region’s beauty but also an opportunity for artists to gain exposure, sell their work, and compete for three awards: the Kootenay Art Prize, the Inspiration Award, and the newly introduced Peoples’ Choice Award.

A Platform for Artistic Expression

The idea for this open art exhibit stemmed from a desire to offer more artists the chance to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting.

“Winter is a quieter time for the gallery, so creating an open exhibit during this season allows us to connect with more artists and provide a platform for their creativity,” said Irma de Visser, owner and operator of Art Gallery Kimberley.

The event will feature an inclusive online gallery and webshop, ensuring maximum visibility for every participating artist.

A Joyful Experience for Artists and the Community

Exhibiting artists gain several benefits, including:

• Being part of an awesome celebration of Visual Art and The Kootenay region.
• Guaranteed placement in an online gallery for a month.
• A chance of placement in the gallery for a month.
• Opportunities to connect with collectors, peers, and art enthusiasts.
• Eligibility for prizes.

For Irma, organizing this exhibition is a labour of love.

“One of the highlights for me is connecting with (new) artists and watching their creations inspire our community. Fitting all the artworks into the gallery space without compromising their presentation is a welcome challenge.”

To make the adjudication process more inclusive and rewarding, the gallery is using a unique selection method. Adjudicators will shortlist 10 artworks from the 20-25 artwork selected for display in the gallery, and a random draw will determine the recipient of the Kootenay Art Prize. Similarly, the Inspiration Award will be selected through a draw from the non-shortlisted entries, offering every artist a chance to shine.

The Peoples’ Choice Award invites the public to cast their votes in the gallery, ensuring community involvement in the celebration.

Meet the Adjudicators

• Caprice Hogg (Kimberley): oil painter, teacher, mentor, and writer whose artistic journey spans three decades, Caprice brings a wealth of experience and a passion for inspiring emerging artists.
• David Barnes (Creston): accomplished ceramic artist and teacher with a career rooted in innovation, David’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of artists has left an indelible mark on the art community.
• Irma de Visser (Kimberley): Owner of Art Gallery Kimberley and a dedicated advocate for the arts, Irma has played a pivotal role in fostering creativity and connection within the Kootenay region.

The public is warmly invited to experience the exhibit at Art Gallery Kimberley (Mon.- Wed.by appointment | Thur.- Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and online from January 30 to February 23.

New this year is the introduction of a Peoples’ Choice Award allowing all visitors to vote for their favourite artwork. In addition, there will be a Parallel Art Exhibit at Centre 64 (Tue. -Sat. 1-4 p.m.) for the artworks that aren’t included in the gallery selection.

The festivities will culminate with a closing reception and award ceremony on Friday, February 21 at 5 p.m. at the gallery, providing an opportunity to celebrate the artists and their contributions to the region’s vibrant art scene.

Contact Art Gallery Kimberley for more information.

Submitted

Article Share