With the blast of a horn, artists from across the Lower Mainland and beyond will run like Olympians, with easels and paint brush in hand, to a designated location in Steveston, and start to paint.
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Steveston Grand Prix of Art, which runs from Saturday, Sept. 22 to 23 at sites around the historic village.
"This event has the excitement and anticipation of a track and field event as sprinters get set in their starting blocks, the stamina of a marathon painting on location for three hours; and the artistry of a gymnast- beautiful, graceful," said Mark Glavina, the man responsible for bringing the event to Steveston.
"I guess I have been watching too much Olympics. The point is, it's not a stodgy old art gallery where people look at art work on the wall and go, 'hah'."
Glavina, an artist himself and owner of the Phoenix Art Workshop, brought the art race to Steveston after taking part in a number of such events in other cities and really enjoying them.
He discovered the Grand Prix of Art in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island a few years ago, and was instantly hooked.
"It's such a great event, and as an artist you miss a lot if you just paint from photographs," said Glavina.
"Taking part in a Grand Prix of Art provides excitement and a real adrenaline rush," he added, noting the concept originated in France.
During the grand prix, artists can work in any medium and can paint or draw. The key is they must create a work of art that represents the location they are designated to, in one way or another.
What makes this event so exciting for spectators, added Glavina, is that "it's interactive."
"You aren't just going to view the work, but you're watching it being created in a race to paint," he said, adding there's no watching paint dry here. "Spectators can watch as artists race the clock, fight off the elements of outdoor painting and struggle with visual problem solving - all for the glory of getting their name engraved on a plaque on the Grand Prix of Art trophy."
Glavina said the community has really come on board this year.
There are a number of firsts including the Community Art Council of Richmond People's Choice award for $500 - double what it was last year.
"Timothy's Yogurt has also offered financial support for more youth prizes," he said, adding they had 19 youth artists out last year. "Vancouver Whale Watch will offer a free shuttle for artists and spectators from Steveston to Britannia Shipyards."
Besides watching artists create works of art, some of the highlights of the competition are the live music, which happens at Britannia Shipyards from 2 to 4 p.m., and the artist reception.
Last year, 65 artists from across the province converged at 30 different sites, from Britannia Shipyards to Garry Point Park, for the friendly painting competition.
"It can't be done without the incredible support from dozens of volunteers and local businesses," added Glavina.
"Last year, we had around 1,200 people visit the artists. On Sunday, more than 500 people visited the exhibition and sale at the Britannia Heritage Shipyards."
As well, more than 18 paintings were sold - making it the most ever since the contest began in Steveston. The winning sults will be dis-
play at Britannia Heritage Shipyard's Chinese Bunkhouse Sunday, Sept. 23.
"Because spectators watch the work being produced, they each have their favourite and going to the Chinese Bunkhouse to see the complete work of a piece that they saw earlier in it's infant stages is very exciting," Glavina added.
A portion of each painting sold will benefit the Richmond Artists Guild, nonprofit organization that supports and promotes local artists. Visitors will also have an opportunity to vote for a People's Choice award.
The Phoenix Art Workshop presents the 3rd Annual Steveston Grand Prix of Art, from Saturday, Sept. 22 to the Sunday, Sept. 23.
For more information, visit www. grandprixofart.com or call the Phoenix Art Workshop at 604-448-1860.
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