SHEGUIANDAH – Northern Ontario is home to an incredibly diverse group of artists whose work too often goes unnoticed outside of their home communities, but for the last 62 years the Northern Ontario Art Association (NOAA) has been making it possible for folks across the North to see some of the best of the best at its annual travelling show. The 62nd Annual NOAA Juried Exhibition has landed at the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah where until June 24 visitors will be able to view those works deemed the best entries for 2019.
“On behalf of the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association, Linda Williamson and I welcome you to the opening of the Northern Ontario Art Association’s 62nd Annual Juried Exhibition here at the Sheguiandah Museum,” said Manitoulin Fine Arts Association and NOAA rep artist Christie Pearson Anderson. “This is the 62nd Juried Exhibition that first opened last September in Moonbeam and has been travelling throughout Northern Ontario. The show will be here at the Sheguiandah Museum until June 24 and is well worth a visit. Thanks to Lisa (Hallaert) from the museum for the hard work hanging the show. It looks fantastic. Many wonderful pieces.”
“I think it’s great,” said Northeast Town Mayor Al MacNevin, who greeted the attendees at the opening of the show on Sunday. “It is a great opportunity to showcase the artists from across Northern Ontario and gives a great opportunity for those of our citizens who might not have an opportunity to get out to see them to have a first hand look here at our museum.”
“Our own Richard Edwards, well known artist, instructor and gallery owner from Kagawong has his piece ‘Evening Light’ selected for the show,” said Ms. Pearson Anderson. “Rick discussed how the jury process worked and urged artists not to be discouraged if their work is not selected. It does not mean that their piece is not excellent or valid.”
“It is a great honour to be accepted,” said Mr. Edwards. “It is great how the exhibit allows artists to exhibit their work in other areas.” Mr. Edwards noted that Northern Ontario is close to the size of Europe, but with a very small population. “There is a great variety of art forms that are exhibited,” he said. “I don’t think you would have an opportunity to see anything quite like this anywhere else.”
Forty paintings were selected for the touring exhibition and the range of artwork spans a huge range of media and techniques.
“We are really honoured to have the opportunity to be able to host this show,” said Ms. Hallaert. “I really look forward to seeing the new works each year.”
“We are always looking for new members,” said Ms. Pearson Anderson of the MFAA. Artists are encouraged to submit works to the juried exhibition. The MFAA membership forms can be found at ManitoulinArt.com/manitoulin-fine-arts-association-join.html.
Among the benefits of joining are being listed on the MFAA website, the members’ artistic newsletter, an opportunity to be part of the Manitoulin Art Tour at a reduced rate, membership in the NOAA, an opportunity to submit up to three pieces to the MFAA annual exhibition and participate in the artist incubator North Channel Gallery through the summer. You will also be supporting the arts on Manitoulin, and that in itself is a laudable goal.
The MFAA mandate is “to encourage the development of original visual art by providing for professional development, experimentation and exhibition. To encourage the appreciation of original visual art within the group and in the community.”
The Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm and Thursdays 9 am to 8 pm.
