Art show sponsors seeks early entries

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Alberta Native artists are already being invited to submit their work for the fourth annual Asum Mena competition and exhibition sponsored by the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society (AIACS).

And this year there is an added bonus for those artists who enter early. Artists who have entered their work will be eligible to win a $200 art supplies gift certificate in draws to be made at 4:01 p. February 2, March 2, April 1, May 1 and June 1. The final date for entries is June 1.

Once again, the first prize in the competition will be $5,000. It is open to emerging Native artists who have resided in Alberta since February 1984, or who claim Alberta as their principal residence in the case of Alberta students studying out of province. All artists submitting work for scholarship consideration must submit a minimum of three entries. The scholarship is to be used for tuition and expenses at a recognized art institute, and a letter of acceptance from such an institute must be provided before the award can be made.

Second and third place awards will receive gift certificates for the purchase of art supplies - $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

Artists must enter a minimum of three pieces to be eligible for the awards, and must be "emerging artists" - artists whose work is not often seen by the public, who have not had several one-man shows, and who may be presently competing (their) art education or may not have had any formal training whatsoever.

Last year's winner was Faye HeavyShield, formerly of the Blood Reserve. Kim McLain of Edmonton was the second prize winner and Sam Warrior and George Littlechild shared third prize.

Professional artists, and those who have previously won first place in the competition, are not eligible for first, second or third place award, but they are invited to sell their work at the show.

In addition, a $500 art supplies gift certificate will be awarded to the artist submitting the best three dimensional piece, and all artists will be eligible for this award.

Last year's show attracted 313 entries by 54 artists. Of these, 140 pieces by 37 artists were exhibited, and 62 pieces worth more than $26,000 were sold. The previous year, 70 works were exhibited and sales were just over $11,000.

Winning entries and other selected work will be exhibited at the Front Gallery in Edmonton, the site of last year's exhibition, from July 31 to August 29, 1987.

Entry forms and more information can be obtained from AIACS at 501, 10105 - 109 Street, Edmonton, T5J 1M8 or by phoning (403) 426-2048.