As many Winnipeggers know, the Red River Exhibition’s 10-day show takes place in June of each year.
It’s not only an exciting time for fair-goers but also for the wonderful people who volunteer their time to make sure it is a fabulous experience for all who attend.
One such person is Marguerite Sinclair who, because she is now older than 90, has just recently chosen to step back after over four decades of devoting her time as a volunteer, a board member, and Art Committee Chairperson and Art Show volunteer.
Her dedication and charm has inspired many others over the years to join the merry band at the EX and make magic happen.
In 2014, Marguerite’s family created an award in her name. It is one of a number of awards that are presented annually at a ceremony held during the EX.
Winning artists receive their ribbons, trophies, and a cash prize from the Juried Art Show.
Additional sponsors of the awards which total more than $1700 in cash along with the ribbons and trophies include: The Richardson Foundation, BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., The Winnipeg Foundation, and the Red River Exhibition Association.
The 2016 Red River EX is now gearing up and the Juried Art Show entry forms are available from the EX office at 3977 Portage Ave. (just west of Assiniboia Downs), by calling the RRX office at 204.888.6990 or on line at www.redriverex.com. The deadline is coming up quickly on May 20 at 4:30 p.m.
For those artists who may not be aware of the show, there are three classifications: Teen (ages 13 to 19), Amateur (age 20 and over) who produce art on a casual basis and whose art is not exhibited or seen in a professional environment, and Professional (age 20 and over) who are working artists, dedicated to the professional practice of art as evidenced by a significant investment of time and resources to produce a body of work, have exhibited their work in a professional context and are recognized as such by peers in their artistic discipline.
Within the classes there are four Media categories of: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, and Sculpture Works of art that must be original, unaided works by the artist and completed within the last two years. They must be wired and ready for hanging or for display. Complete rules are clearly defined within the entry form.
The juror selected for the 2016 show is Debra Cardaci who resides in Winnipeg. Debra holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Fine Arts P. Pueyrredon, Buenos Aires where she went on to became a professor.
She also studied in Italy, Spain and France as well as exploring galleries and museums throughout Europe and Russia.
Her first love is sculpture but her paintings and drawings are sought after and are hung all over the world.
She will make her selections of up to 100 pieces of art from the entries (often close to 200 pieces) and then select the award winners.
The chosen works will be displayed in Exhibition Place (the 4 season building on the Red River Exhibition grounds) for the 10 days of the show from Jun. 17 to 26.
Winnipeg and Manitoba artists are encouraged to enter (up to four works per person) and are welcome to volunteer during the show to demonstrate their skills and/or as a host.
Those who volunteer to demo or host for a three hour shift will receive passes allowing them free parking and gate entrance for each volunteer shift. If interested in volunteering, please contact the office at the number above.