BONNYVILLE – The Aurora Visual Arts Association (AVAA) is hosting its first juried art show, where Bonnyville artists can showcase their art, enter it into several categories to be judged, mingle with other artists, and sell their art and wares.
The event will take place from Feb. 22 to the 23 at the Bonnyville Ag society. The deadline to register is Feb.15.
Juried categories include landscape, portrait, wildlife, still life, abstract, and 3D, which includes art such as pottery and carvings.
The AVAA is an incorporated non-profit that aims to support and grow the arts in Bonnyville. Founding member Brenda Claude said that Bonnyville has an abundance of artists and the juried art show is a great way to promote the arts and offer artists a challenge to strive towards.
“The biggest thing is that we learn from each other. [AVAA has] been good for people that are just beginning to try out art. We have a lot of classes and bring in different artists. We had one in from California, and different artists come and teach us new techniques,” said Claude.
The art show will also be an opportunity for artists to have a place to sell their work.
“We’re going to have a market so different people can sell their wares. For those selling anything art related or handmade, they are welcome to rent a table and hopefully we’ll bring in people that appreciate art.”
Claude said the Bonnyville Ag society has been supportive and has provided them with space for the art show.
Claude hopes to see the art scene in Bonnyville grow, and said it’s not only a benefit to the large number of local artists, but it adds to the attraction of Bonnyville as a community.
“Other places such as Camrose and Sherwood Park have a really vibrant and well-funded art scene, and it can be an attraction for people. With new people coming to the Bonnyville area, there is a recognition that we really are lacking in the art realm,” said Claude.
The AVAA hopes to procure more funding in the future, so they can offer more art events and workshops.
Claude encourages anyone interested in getting involved with the AVAA to come and join the art show or attend one of their meetings that happen on the last Monday of every month at the Bonnyville Museum.
