Leamington Arts Centre hosts painting and photography exhibits

The evening of May 10th was very busy at the Leamington Arts Centre as it played host to the WFCU Painting Competition awards reception, a members show and sale for three local photography clubs and a spring studio clear-out reception upstairs simultaneously.

Running from April 23 until May 18, the 7th annual WFCU painting competition and exhibit attracted 80 submissions from 36 artists. WFCU Community Investment Manager Beth Anne Prince indicated that the competition is part of their Inspire program which attempts to inspire, educate and entertain the public throughout the county. The credit union generously handed out $1,000 in cash awards to the top three competition winners.

Competition judge Nancy Johns commented that it was nice to see so many new artists entering their work and noted that the submissions were made up of many high-end pieces. She said, “I based my judgement on how the pieces made me feel, those that brought on the most emotion were chosen as the winners.”

Capturing first place in the painting competition was Michaela Lucio with “Here in the garden, you are growing on me”, second place went to Scott Livingstone with “Stump and Ethanol Plant”, third place went to Ann Roth for “She Would Have Yellow”. Honourable mention went to Irina Teske with “Peyto Lake 2023”.

While the painting competition reception was going on, another part of the centre was hosting a photography show and reception. A first-time collaboration between Shooters Photography Club, Border City Photography Club and Windsor Camera Club, 60 photographs filled the walls of the gallery. Organized by Shooters George Schiefer, the exhibition will run until June 1 with the photos being available for sale to interested buyers. The three clubs are hoping that the show generates interest amongst aspiring photographers as all the clubs are looking to grow their membership.

Upstairs at the Arts Centre was the setting for the third reception of the night, a Spring studio clear-out sale of discounted pieces. Looking to make room in their studios, local artists are offering their originals at affordable prices, as all items are priced at $149 or less. The sale continues until June 1 for those that are interested in picking up something to brighten up a wall.