“Loretta’s Garden” is one of the works of Don Desmond that was on display at the 16th Annual Southwick Fine Art Show and Sale.
SOUTHWICK – At Thursday’s monthly Cultural Council meeting, the members discussed the upcoming 18th Annual Arts Exhibition that the council runs for the town of Southwick.
Taking place in the town hall auditorium, the show will be April 29 and April 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on each day.
The exhibition allows the community and surrounding areas, to look at several pieces of work done by local artists and others across New England. There were over 1,000 people that attended the exhibition last year.
The majority of the artists are local, from towns like Westfield, Agawam, Southwick, Suffield, and Granby.
According to the press release on the art exhibition sent out by Ellen Miles, artists can display fine arts, sculpture, poetry, and photography.
Before any art is showcased at the exhibition, the cultural council goes through a process in order to decide which artists will be able to put their work on display.
The 18th Annual Arts Exhibition will take place at the Southwick Town Hall on April 29 and April 30. (WNG File Photo)
The Cultural Council says that they pick anywhere from 37 to 43 artists, but before that, a jury is created in order to judge the three samples that are required in the process of applying for the exhibition.
The jury consists of three people, who have an extensive background in art, poetry, sculptures, and etc. Every year, there are three different judges, and the Cultural Council feels that there is a benefit to that.
“That makes the show, I think, always interesting,” said Chairman Pat McMahon.
“Berries in the Bucket” by Barbara Huntoon was a prior display at the Southwick Fine Art Exhibition at Southwick Town Hall.
Many of the judges who have participated in years past, have showcased their own art at the exhibition.
Applications are being accepted now and the deadline is on March 17. Any interested artists can pick up an application at the town hall, or it can be downloaded on the town’s website, and click on Cultural Council under the tabs for boards and committees.
The Cultural Council says that roughly 50 to 60 artists apply ever year, and the decision from the jury will occur on March 27.
If there are any questions regarding this year’s exhibition, contact Susan Kochanski at 413-569-0946 or email [email protected].
