What: Harvest Art Fest proposals
When: Deadline Aug. 20
Where: Whistler
Registration: Free
The autumn equinox marks the time when day and night fall in equal lengths. It’s the time when communication satellites short circuit because of the positioning of the sun’s immense solar power, and the time when local artists gather to harvest the fruits of their summer labours.
Tin foil, plumbers pipe and a garden chair from the Re-Use It Centre; these are art supplies?
LUNA — Late Unique Nighttime Alternatives — celebrates this changing of seasons when deciduous trees begin to lose their leaves at the second annual Harvest Art Fest on Friday, Sept. 21 in Whistler. Artists are invited to submit works for the showing by Monday, Aug. 20. And all entries must have a green theme.
“Because of the success we had last year, we decided to host it again,” said Kiran Pal-Pross, LUNA coordinator, of Harvest Art Fest. “The aim of it is to showcase what young adults are producing these days in Whistler. Because we had such a great turnout and because of the great feedback, we decided to continue it.”
The outdoor showcase of local art and music was founded by Magda Kwaterska and Sonja Cameron who participated in the LUNA event planning program last year, a year-long certificate program whereby half a dozen entrepreneurs design and execute their own event.
Harvest Art Fest will carry on the tradition of showcasing local talent for the solstice, only this year, the exhibit spins an environmental theme: The Green Art Show.
“Everyone needs to start thinking green,” Pal-Pross said. “We wanted a theme for Harvest Art Fest this year and it was a natural pairing to have the environment involved in the outdoor art show. We want everyone to examine what the more sustainable route is in their profession.”
Soda cans, newspaper and old tires — anything goes for artwork proposals made from salvaged materials.
Audience and judges’ favourites will be eligible to win one of three spots at The Artrepreneur workshop on Sept. 22 in Whistler. The Whistler Arts Council-hosted seminar will cover artist way necessities, such as reviewing portfolios, marketing plans and income development as well as gallery submissions and global networking. The grand winner will receive a $500 gift certificate for art supplies as well as registration into the EcoArt course at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver, a four-week course starting in November.
“Prizes will help artists take their work even further,” Pal-Pross said. “We want to showcase and foster local artwork as much as we can.”
Artists aged 18 to 35 years old are asked to submit a brief proposal illustrating plans for the artwork as well as how their work affects Mother Earth.
Non-toxic, sustainable materials must be used. Objects can be transformed into a new use and growing works are welcomed. Artworks must bring an environmental issue to light and living.
“We’ll choose the works which best demonstrate innovative use of materials and processes and critical messaging,” Pal-Pross said. “The audience should leave inspired and more knowledgeable than when they arrived. And not all environmental messaging has to be serious.”
Humour, as well as imagination, is encouraged.
Members of LUNA, AWARE and the Whistler Arts Council will act as jury at the event. Entrants will be informed Tuesday, Aug. 21 whether or not their proposal was chosen for the September showing. Artists must begin their projects immediately with artwork submitted before Sept. 20. Applications for bursaries to cover travel expenses will be considered. Inquiries must be included in the art proposal.
To apply, contact Pal-Pross at kpal@whistler.ca.
