Art competition gets nearly 300 entries

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How does one choose a first place diamond form a bed of rare gems, to be appreciated, praised and placed above the rest. That was the mission the jury was faced with in choosing the winning artwork for "ASUM MENA," the Third Annual Alberta Native Art Festival sponsored by the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society.

After 5 hours of difficult deliberation, the jury awarded Faye Heavyshield of the Blood Reserve the $5,000 Art Scholarship for two or her entries entitled 'Window's Peak' and 'Drying.'

Both works are abstract mixed media reliefs which are experiments in texture and consist of cloth and canvas on wooden frames painted in solidly earth hue monotones. The primary focus of attention is on the texture rather than the objective itself.

A total of 194 works of art were submitted by 54 artists from which 122 pieces were chosen by the jury for exhibition and sale. Thirty-seven artists were eligible for the prizes.

The jury was comprised of: Alex Janvier, well known Canadian Artist; Phlis Matousek, Edmonton Journal Writer, and Lynn Fahlman, owner of the Front Gallery, Edmonton.

Kim McLain's "Face Dance #2' received first runner up award of $1,000 while George Littlechild and Sam Warrior tied for 2nd runner up awards of $500 each.

The jurors were impressed with the calibre of these reaching the scholarship finals. Honorable mention was given to Ken Swan, Glen Nypshank, Henry Standing Alone, Donald Grasssie, Eugene Alexis, Derek Fisher, and Merilyn Fraser King.

The winning art pieces may be viewed at the Third Annual Alberta Native Art Festival from August 7 - 30, 1986 at the Front Gallery, 12302 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton.

Works by former winners Roy Jack Salopree and Jane Ash Poitras will be featured along with work by Alex Janvier and Joan Cardinal-Schubert.

A jury from the Indian Art Centre in Ottawa is coming to Asum Mena, the Festival to purchase works for the new National Art Gallery in Ottawa, scheduled to open in 1988.

Asum Mena is Cree for Once Again.

For more information contact Lois McLellan or Coleen Bence at 426-2048.