Open Studio National Printmaking Awards

Best of Canadian Printmaking to be Celebrated at Open Studio’s 100 Prints

Rabbit (with wing sack) Etching and Silkscreen on Gampi Tissue

Great news!  I'm proud to be shortlisted for the 2014 Open Studio National Printmaking Awards. Looking forward to another great 100 Prints this year at Palais Royale on May 15th. A wonderful evening that features fine art prints by so many terrific Canadian artists.

Open Studio, a leading non-profit centre for contemporary printmaking practice, provides affordable access to printmaking facilities, programs and services for artists from across Canada and abroad, as well as exhibitions, education programs and print sales.  Celebrating the 29th anniversary of the event this year, 100 Prints is Open Studio’s most important fundraising activity, and helps to support this artist-run centre’s vital artistic programming.

The event features 100 original, fine art prints donated by nationally and internationally recognized Canadian artists; because only 100 tickets are sold, each ticket holder is guaranteed to take home an original work of art. Tickets are drawn in random order on the evening of the event; as each ticket is drawn, excited guests have one minute to choose a print.

100 Prints is an event that is often imitated, but never matched. The festive night also includes fabulous prizes, a raffle, delicious hors d’oeuvres from some of Toronto’s most exciting eateries, an open bar, and Members’ Ink, a sale of framed prints specially created by Open Studio artist members specifically for this fundraising event.

A distinguished jury selected the shortlist from prints that were donated to Open Studio by emerging and established artists from across Canada.  The jury members, who had the difficult task of choosing the award winners were: Darren Alexander, of Tatar Alexander Public Art Management; Pat Feheley, of Feheley Fine Arts; and David H. Kaye, of David Kaye Gallery.

The artists shortlisted for the Open Studio National Printmaking Awards are:

• Elizabeth D’Agostino (Toronto, ON)
• Doug Guildford (Toronto, ON/Voglers Cove, NS)
• Dan O’Neill (Halifax, NS)
• Kurt Pammer (Toronto, ON)
• Dan Steeves (Sackville, NB)
• Laura Widmer (Kelowna, BC)

“It was a great privilege to participate in this year’s jury for Open Studio’s 100 Prints.  I was truly stunned by the overall quality, both technically and in terms of imagery, of the submissions,” said Pat Feheley.  “The diversity and accomplishment of these artists is evident and 100 Prints is an exhibition you will not want to miss!  Congratulations to all of the artists and to Open Studio for supporting and nurturing the art of printmaking.”  David H. Kaye commented: “Jurying this event was an enjoyable time, even though it means making tough decisions to whittle down the number of donated works to only one hundred.  The quality and variation of expression is a treat to experience.  The talent selected is a wonderful testament to the voracity and efficacy of Open Studio. Congratulations to all who work in any capacity to support 100 Prints.”

Jennifer Bhogal, Executive Director of Open Studio, said, “A heartfelt congratulations to the six shortlisted artists of the 2014 Open Studio National Printmaking Awards.  These awards set the standard for excellence in the field of print-based media, and Open Studio is looking forward to presenting them to the deserving recipients.  The artists acknowledged this year exemplify the power print holds to inspire appreciation for both the idea realized and the technical mastery employed.”  All six shortlisted artists have a chance at winning one of three cash prizes of $3,000 (first prize), $1,500 (second prize) or $500 (third prize), or an honourable mention.

100 Prints. 100 Tickets. 1 Night Only.

Tickets are now available — the $385 ticket price includes admission for two and a guarantee that you will take home an original piece of artwork. As tickets are limited to 100, they sell out fast, and are already going quickly. General admission tickets are also available for $60. 

The ceremony will take place at the Palais Royale in Toronto, at 100 Prints, a fundraising event in support of Open Studio.

For further information, images or interviews, please contact Sara Kelly, Associate Director, at 416-504-8238 or sara[at]openstudio.on.ca.