October 13-14-15, 2023
The Bala Cranberry Festival is over and huge thank-you to all 17 artists from our Group who put their work on display in the Bala Arena. The public enjoyed viewing the art work and recognizing places where we have painted together this year.
ANDREW JUDD
ADELE PARTINGTON
L to R: Margaret Ferraro, Master Pastellist, Steve Tracy, Artist in Residence at Muskoka Discovery Centre, Norah Fountain, Executive Director Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Ariel Berwick, Wahta Youth Rep and Wahta Youth Reps Ciara and Willow. Thank-you to all jurists for thoughtful selections.
CRANBERRY FESTIVAL WINNERS in 2023
Grand Cran Artist of the Year: JANE LOVE ELLIOTT
Honorable Mentions: CAROLYN GRAND, ADELE PARTINGTON
Inspiration Award: ANDREW JUDD for “The Old Cabin on Pine Ridge Road”
Muskoka Extreme People’s Choice Award: #18 “Lookover Lake Muskoka, Huckleberry Rock” by artist Mariangela Sherwood
Artworks in the exhibition included original work completed in 2023 in oil, acrylic, gauche, ink, pastel and watercolour. Some artists are local and some discovered Bala and its “paintable” scenery while visiting. Participating artists attended two or more plein air sessions with the group in 2023.
Many thanks to the Bala Cranberry Festival, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Muskoka Lakes and Muskoka Extreme for their wonderful support to the display and awards at the ART EXHIBITION.
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CRANBERRY FESTIVAL 2022 AWARD WINNERS:
- Grand Cran Artist of the Year: Andrew Judd
- Honorable Mentions: Astra Nams and Carolyn Grand
- People’s Choice Award: Adele Partington
- Inspiration Award by Youth Judge: Anne Hodkin
The Cranberry Festival (2021)
Supported by The Bala Cranberry Festival
- Grand Cran Artist of the Year is CAROLYN GRAND chosen by the Judge’s Panel Prize: $250 & Red Ribbon
- Honorable Mentions to artists HEATHER DUNLOP and ASTRA NAMS (Yellow Ribbon) chosen by Judge’s Panel.
- Inspiration Award is ASTRA NAMS chosen by Youth Judges on the Jury. Prize: $50 Gift card for Art Supplies from Curry’s
- People’s Choice Award goes to “SUNKISSED” by Melissa Pole. Decided by Festival attendees by ticket ballots – 9936 votes cast in total for all artworks across 3 days. Prize: $100
- Scavenger Hunt (for under Age 10) Prize: Art supplies
HON.MENTION: Heather Dunlop
HON.MENTION: Astra Nams
JURY MEMBERS: Norah Fountain (Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce), Ariel Berwick (Wahta Mohawks), Wendie Donabie (Muskoka Arts & Crafts), and Youth Judges – Caleb and Felicity (Wahta Mohawks)
INSPIRATION AWARD
PEOPLE’s CHOICE
THEME: Out in the Open Air (2021)
Our theme for the Exhibition embraced the opportunity to be creative and try new things outside following a long time indoors and being isolated. We found a way to meet together outdoors, share and learn as we painted the town, the forest, the Bala Falls, the cranberry harvest and anything worth capturing on canvas. We are grateful for the support of a grant from the Township of Muskoka Lakes and The Bala Cranberry Festival.
It turned out better than we imagined – igniting a fire in some, a new hobby in others, and inspired the artist within all of us. We discovered new friendships, new talent and renewed appreciation of the natural environment in all its finer details where we live and play.
Admission to the BPAG Art Exhibition will be included with The Bala Cranberry Festival tickets.
For more information about the Art Exhibition, you can email us at artshow@balapleinair.ca See you at Cranberry!