A record-breaking 125 artists are set to descend on Steveston Village next month for the 13th Annual Grand Prix of Art.
The renowned outdoor painting competition has switched dates from its previous September slot to the third weekend in July, Saturday and Sunday the 22nd and 23rd.
Many accomplished artists from across the region will be in town for what promises to be a very colourful two days, both off and on the canvas, with a plethora of entertainment, workshops and demos lined up for the painters and for the adoring public.
Organizer Mark Glavina, of Steveston’s Phoenix Art Workshop and the Travelling Brush – along with host partner, the City of Richmond – is already getting excited.
“We moved it from September to July, so we’re hoping for better weather, no guarantees though,” Glavina told the Richmond News.
“But it has been good for (artist) registration. I keep trying to accommodate more artists, but we keep selling out, which is great.
“It’s up to 125 artists…normally it’s around 100. But I don’t make (the event) bigger for the sake of making it bigger, it’s about providing more opportunities for the artists.
“The event is designed to support our artists as much as possible.”
For the uninitiated, the Grand Prix of Art is a three-hour painting race, with artists competing in three categories — Masters, Adult Open, and Youth – all racing against the clock to complete a work of art on location.
New this year, added Glavina, will be the ability for the public to find their favourite artists at the event.
“They can pull up his profile (online) and find out where he’s going to be in the village.
“There’s hopefully going to be a lot more people in Steveston at this time of the year. And there’s going to be food trucks and live music.”
Use your bike to see the painting stars: Glavina
Glavina said they’re also trying to encourage more people to use their bikes to take in the competition.
“It’s a big area to cover on foot…London Landing to Garry Point Park. We will have bike locks available,” he said.
Last year’s event put more than $10,000 directly into the pockets of working artists and showcasing artists from around the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, go to https://grandprixofart.ca/
