The Editor,
Mark Glavina, owner of Phoenix Artworks did it again! He sponsored another successful Grand Prix of Art.
Last Saturday, the streets of Steveston came alive with plein air artists. From youths to seniors, paint brushes loaded, they waited for the Gulf of Georgia's "start" whistle from their drawn locations at 10 a.m. We would stroll amongst them until the 1 p.m. whistle blew and they laid down their brushes.
It was amazing to witness the talent - live. I saw hundreds of pedestrians, Grand Prix maps in hand, intent on seeing as many of the 70 artists as possible. From Britannia Heritage Shipyards to Garry Point, the public formed audiences around the artists, many of whom were happy to answer questions and engage.
Some, new to plein air, were quieter, but all rose to the occasion to produce memorable work. After the second whistle blew and the three-hour time limit was up, the paintings were taken back to the shipyards to be framed and hung in the Chinese Bunkhouse, where they were judged by Robert Genn, Mike Svob and Kim Somerville.
A delicious lunch was prepared (thank you Davood and Eileen Khatami and Blake Davidson) and served as musicians entertained us, followed by the presentation of prizes and the Gray Cup to the winner: Elsa Bluethner.
The gallery was then open to the public Saturday afternoon and Sunday when many bought and took home a little piece of Steveston, some with a story attached.
It took a team of over 50 volunteers in cooperation with Glavina to make this event such a phenomenal success. Thank you to each one of you who made a difference to the wonderful community who supported this Grand Prix of Art.
Mary Lou Rossiter Volunteer coordinator of the 3rd Annual Grand Prix of Art
