Local artist takes home $1,000 grand prize in art contest
Seven talented artists took home a combined $2,000 in prizes at the Lakes District Museum Society’s FACEOFF Portrait Competition awards ceremony this week.
Annamarie Douglas, whose acrylic portrait entitled Summit Selfie also finished first in the Adult division, took home the contest’s $1,000 grand prize. Summit Selfie will become part of the Lakes District Museum’s new permanent art collection, an initiative designed to ensure that notable works by local creators remain publicly-owned.
Douglas, an graphic designer and outdoor enthusiast who finished second in the Search for Burns Lake’s Centennial Artist competition in 2021, was surprised to learn her self-portrait had won.
“I am absolutely thrilled to win the grand prize, as well as first prize in the adult division,” she said. “I definitely stepped outside of my comfort zone with this painting, but after watching several episodes of Portrait Artist of the Year, I thought I’d give it a try.
“I loved seeing all the entries, there are so many amazing artists in our community to be inspired by and learn from… a big thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement.”
Artist and teacher Dale Kallhood was awarded second and third prizes in the Adult division for his untitled self-portrait and another oil painting of beloved Decker Lake resident Bob Saul. Kallhood has generously offered to donate the latter to the museum’s permanent art collection.
Two pencil sketches earned budding young artist Owen Smith first and second prizes – and $225 – in the Teen division. His sketch entitled My Dad also won the prestigious fan favourite award, netting him another $150.
Third place in the Teen division went to Emma MacWilliam for her digital self-portrait entitled To The Way Is To The After, while Palling resident Haley Dell’s Stacking Dimes earned her an honorable mention and $25.
Rio Wilejto’s mixed media self-portrait finished first in the Children’s division, netting him $75. Abby Hart’s self-portrait earned her the division’s $50 second prize.
More than 40 people attended the Lakes District FACEOFF Portrait Competition awards ceremony last night (Nov. 4) in the Heritage Gallery. The event was sponsored by the Lakes District Museum Society. All 25 portraits entered in the competition will remain on display in the gallery until Nov. 17.
The Lakes District FACEOFF Portrait Competition encouraged local artists to stretch their creative boundaries. Museum society officials were pleased with the number of entries and willingness of local artists to “put themselves out there.”
“The Faceoff competition shone a light on artists’ abilities to stretch themselves into areas they may be less familiar with,” noted Sandra Holmes, vice-president of the museum society. “The air of excitement at the celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 5, proved the challenge was met.”
“Capturing faces is one of the most difficult projects an artist can undertake,” added Cameron Hart, president of the museum society. “We were thrilled that these artists were willing to rise to the challenge, and the results are spectacular. All of them delivered something truly special.”
Established in 1978, the Lakes District Museum Society is one of the region’s oldest arts and culture organizations. In addition to the museum, it operates the Heritage Gallery located at 540 Highway 16 West in Burns Lake. More than 50 artists have had their works exhibited in the gallery since it opened in 2021.
-692-3375
The Legion Corner is Generously Donated By
