Last Saturday, under an umbrella of rain, the second annual Steveston Grand Prix of Art was heralded in by one long blast of an air-horn.
Then, 65 artists from across B.C., including 19 youth artists were off; racing to their designated spots around Steveston and Garry Point to begin the three-hour art competition.
A large crowd of onlookers observed the artists as they painted scenes of Steveston.
Organizer and founder, Mark Glavina was thrilled with the competition and the turnout.
It went really well Around 1,200 people visited the 30 artist locations, Glavina added. Then, on Sunday more than 500 people visited the exhibition and sale at the Britannia Heritage Shipyards.
Local artist Loraine Wellman took part in the friendly competition, and volunteered during the exhibit sale.
Wellman and her easel were located opposite the Steveston Hotel.
I ended up painting Rods Lumber, she said. It was raining for about an hour and then it cleared up.
I think its the best event for artists in the Lower Mainland.
Meanwhile, Wellman said 10 paintings, ranging in price from $50 to $650 were sold that day.
One of our youth painters sold their first painting, added Wellman, who is also the Richmond Artists Guild vice president.
For more information, visit www.grandprixofart.com.
The winners are:
1st place Kerry Erickson
2nd place Michael Abraham
3rd place Larry Tiller
Honourable Mention: Jim McFarland (Victoria)
1st place Youth: Shirley Lui
2nd Place Kitty Man
3rd Place Emma Sun
Honourable Mention: Roena Ong
Peoples Choice Award: Stephen Shaoqin Chen
