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View artwork selected for purchase in 2024
Eleven artworks and one series (of eight artworks) were recommended for purchase in 2024. These artworks will be on display in the Community Centre through July 2024. Click on an image below to view the gallery.Â
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Samantha Williams-Chapelsky
Prairie Lines, 2023
Cold wax and oil on birch panel
Samantha Williams-Chapelsky completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Alberta in 2009, with distinction, majoring in painting and art history. Samantha showcases her work in both public and commercial galleries each year and is most known for her abstract landscape paintings using textured acrylic and oil paints. Taking inspiration from the stunning beauty of North America’s vast and diverse terrain Samantha creates large-scale landscapes that employ techniques of impressionist and expressionist abstraction to harness the powerful emotions these spaces can evoke.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Erik Johnson
Mirage: Stairway to Oinky's, 2023
Acrylic on masonite
Erik Johnson (he/him) is a painter, sculptor, and storyteller with a BFA from the University of Alberta. He grew up in the car-dependent suburbs of Sherwood Park Alberta, and is interested in depicting human-made environments in which humans feel unwelcome. In his paintings, he uses dystopian sci-fi worldbuilding to explore real-world issues like car dependency, pollution, labor, automation, AI, invasion of digital privacy, and the use of technology as a Band-Aid for larger issues. He uses his fictional worlds to tell stories through painting, drawing inspiration from various visual storytelling mediums such as graphic novels and film. In his sculpture practice, Johnson creates representational likenesses through his clay portrait busts. He is interested in using musicians as portraiture subjects, drawing from their music's expressive nature as a source for expressive potential in clay.Â
I’ve used this series of acrylic paintings to create a fictional dystopian sci-fi world piece by piece, and to tell a story revolving around our relationship with machines, technology and automation. The details of this fictional world are based on various real-world issues that concern me but warped and exaggerated to be more noticeable and distinct. It can be difficult to recognize something as a problem to be solved when you have been deeply immersed in it since birth, such as the issue of North America's car dependency. Underfunded public transit and a lack of walkability robs agency from those unable or unwilling to drive and creates a sense of isolation and loneliness that many try to alleviate with online virtual interactions. My paintings reflect on how a world built for machines rather than people denies our lives of fulfillment, belonging and meaning.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Kirsten Levitt
Fourteen, 2024
Cold wax on canvas
Growing up in Alberta we had family that lived in Saskatchewan. As a kid I remember the road trip we always took multiple times every year. As I got older, I would often go alone to visit my family. Highway 14 was etched in my mind. It was a bridge between my youth and my teenage years. The time I spent visiting my cousin was the beginning of my independence and the highway represented that. As an adult I still take the same route with my own children. There is a bittersweetness for the once vibrant towns with family stores are now closed; an ever changing landscape. This painting is a portal into the past, the present, and the future depending on what the viewer brings to it.Â
Kirsten is a visual artist based out of Strathcona County in Alberta, Canada. In 2006, she received a Fine Arts Diploma from Grant MacEwan University, dabbling in various mediums. It was painting that stole her heart and she hasn't looked back since. Kirsten has been painting with acrylic for many years but has become more aware of the environmental impact of using plastic in paint. Since then, Kirsten has been exploring more sustainable mediums. Most of her newer paintings are done with cold-wax paint, an eco-friendly alternative. Kirsten's paintings explore the simple and every day, with an emphasis on colour, light, and movement. Somewhere between abstract and realism, Kirsten bridges these two opposites to create pathways to memory and feeling.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Reyna Dye-Baillie
Outstanding, 2023
Torn paper collage on canvas
Reyna Dye-Baillie has been a member of this community for over 40 years. Her collage work can be found in various places including The Strathcona County Collection (2017) and the personal collection of former Alberta Premiere Rachel Notley.  Working primarily with thrifted and found materials, Reyna ‘paints’ with paper creating a new life for otherwise unwanted items.Â
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2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art CollectionÂ
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Tammy S. Henkel
Art at Play, series, 2022-2023
Magazine collage
I am an Alberta artist; born and raised in Edmonton. I have had the best of both suburban and rural environments growing up. I studied Math & Economics at the University of Alberta, for three years before switching to Fine Arts. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art & Design) in 1994. In 2003 I earned a Bachelor of Applied Interior Design from Mount Royal in Calgary. I endeavour to make my artwork happy and joyful. Gestural quality is important to me, as is composition. My process is consistent, but the output is eclectic, depending on which medium I am working with. Lately magazine collage has taken priority, but I still find time to draw, paint (watercolour & acrylic) and design interiors. I like dynamic and complex forms contained in square or circular formats.Â
The "Art at Play" series started in 2019 as a Covid coping diversion. It continues to be a series I add to because I love creating naturalistic magazine collages. The challenge of finding magazines pages with virtual textures and distinct colour takes time. I have folders broken down into: red, orange, yellow, green, green-blue, light blue, blue, indigo, magenta, purple, brown, black, grey, white, light neutrals, dark neutrals, flesh-pink, text, multi-colour pattern, and flowers. Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Shelby Willis
The Markings on My Heart, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
With a background in environmental sciences and ecology, Shelby Willis, brings her passion for nature and wildlife to life in soulful and colorful animal renditions. Each painting is created with the intent of exuding positive energy, and inspiring an outside of the box appreciation for nature.Â
I have imagined the marks of motherhood on my heart as beautiful folk art motifs showcasing elements of nature. This painting features hummingbirds and lullabies. This mama bear and baby is part of the "Markings on My Heart" collection. This body of work is reflective of my current immersion into the throws of motherhood with the birth of my first daughter in February 2022. It has been a year of many firsts that have etched a mark on my heart, and I know that it will never be the same again.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Crystal Driedger
Enjoy The Day, 2023 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Coloured pencil on Bristol paper   Â
This little hummingbird piqued my interest as a gardener and naturalist. The tiny bird looked so small compared to the day lily.   Â
Crystal Driedger is an artist and illustrator passionate about exploring the natural world. She graduated from the Design program at MacEwan University, specializing in Illustration, and has spent the past 20 years immersed in the fine art and illustration world. Crystal's work celebrates the diversity and richness of plants and animals in both wild and urban environments. Her art is a beautiful testament to the intricacies of nature, capturing the unique textures, colours, and personalities of everything from cows to heirloom vegetables. Her work has been shown in several international botanical exhibitions via the American Society of Botanical Artists.  Crystal is a sessional instructor at MacEwan University and teaches Illustration to the Design & Studio Arts students. She loves to share her knowledge and passion with her students, hoping to inspire and encourage a lifelong relationship with the visual arts.  Her work can be seen at the Royal Alberta Museum, Telus World of Science, Fort Edmonton Park and in several private and public collections. She will attend her first international artist residency in Oak Spring Garden, VA, USA this July for their prestigious botanical program.Â
2024 Art AcquisitionÂ
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Sabine Hahnel
Where the secret lives, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
Sabine Hahnel, a Canadian artist of German descent, defies artistic boundaries. Her captivating creations span prairie and mountain landscapes, enchanting forests, and vibrant impressionistic florals. Entirely self-taught, she blends traditional and contemporary techniques, infusing her work with emotion. Sabine’s portfolio includes expansive landscapes and floral stills in acrylics and oils, as well as whimsical watercolors. The unifying element is her dynamic interplay of color and light. Her journey celebrates freedom, rooted in formative years in East Germany. Despite a nursing career spanning four decades and her role as a bison rancher, Sabine’s artistic spirit thrives as it transcends boundaries, reflecting her connection with nature, love for vibrant colors, and unwavering spirit of creativity.Â
Trees stand silent, their branches adorned in gentle hues of gold and amber. The sun's warm glow filters through the leaves casting a tranquil ambiance. The scene invites contemplation of a serene tableau under the caress of nature's twilight palette.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Crystal Driedger
May Flower Bean, 2022
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Coloured pencil on Bristol paper
This piece is a botanical drawing of the May Flower bean, a critical heirloom plant in North America as it was one of the foods that helped the first settlers survive their first winters in their new home. This piece took over 100 hours to complete resulting from careful colour matching to the specimen. This slow creation method ensures accuracy and allows time to create an exciting composition. This bean is also known as the Amish Knuttle Bean - Mayflower (Phaseolus vulgaris) These beans are said to have been brought to North America on the Mayflower in 1620 followed by a long history of being circulated in the south-eastern USA. This is a very productive climber with short bumpy pods containing small square white seeds blotched with rose coloured patches. The young string beans are delicious in flavour and the dry beans are also excellent.Â
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2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Kirsten Levitt
Lemons! Limes!, 2024
Cold wax on canvas
Kirsten is a visual artist based out of Strathcona County in Alberta, Canada. In 2006, she received a Fine Arts Diploma from Grant MacEwan University, dabbling in various mediums. It was painting that stole her heart and she hasn't looked back since. Kirsten has been painting with acrylic for many years but has become more aware of the environmental impact of using plastic in paint. Since then, Kirsten has been exploring more sustainable mediums. Most of her newer paintings are done with cold-wax paint, an eco-friendly alternative. Kirsten's paintings explore the simple and every day, with an emphasis on colour, light, and movement. Somewhere between abstract and realism, Kirsten bridges these two opposites to create pathways to memory and feeling.Â
This painting is an exploration of simplicity. Through the use of complementary colours, I wanted to direct the viewers' attention to a moment in time. By keeping the background and the bowl minimalistic it allows the complete focus to be directed to the subject matter. My goal was to evoke memory and even the taste and smell of lemons and limes, two of my favourite fruits.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Judy Madden
County Hall, 2024
Reduction lino cut
Art has always been a part of my life. I have always enjoyed exploring a variety of techniques and developing my skills through formal classes and on my own. Currently, I spend most of my time creating prints using a variety of printmaking techniques. Lino printing, mono printing, and silkscreen printing are often combined with themselves and watercolour painting.Â
I have spent most of the waking hours of the last 6 plus years working on the second floor of Strathcona County Hall. I am retiring at the end of April. This print represents my farewell to that time along with the geese that often spend time on the roof strutting along the parapet or guarding their nests.Â
2024 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Jamie Panych
Winter's Eve, 2020
AcrylicÂ
I enjoy painting old buildings in landscapes. Especially barns. Growing up on a farm I have spent lots of time in our barns, so it is fun to imagine the lives of humans and animals that took place in those old structures. I like to experiment with unusual colors in an effort to create a mood in a painting, something that would be more interesting to view upon.  Â
Jamie Panych was born and raised in Alberta. She grew up on a farm in Lamont County where she learned to respect nature. She worked at newspapers and printing companies in Edmonton and area, learning graphic arts along the way. But painting became her passion and after graduating from Art School, she moved to Strathcona County to live on an acreage. She enjoys living in the country where there is never-ending inspiration for her paintings.
2024 Art AcquisitionÂ
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Strathcona Contemporary Exhibition & Events 2024Â Â Â Â Â
April 26 – June 22, 2024, Gallery@501, 501 Festival Avenue #120, Sherwood ParkÂ
Engage with the community. Share your art with the public! Amplify your exposure and build bridges between your art and the broader community. Vote for the People’s Choice Awards – the top three artists with the most votes will be recognized at the Artists’ Pecha Kucha on June 7th.Â
Artists’ Meet and Greet               Â
May 4, 2024 (1pm – 3pm) Gallery@501, 501 Festival Avenue #120, Sherwood Park Â
Connect with your peers. Explore, connect and thrive within a community of creators. Meet fellow artists, art enthusiasts and potential collaborators. An afternoon event filled with art and conversation. Â
Youth Gallery Celebration           Â
May 9, 2024 (6pm – 8pm) Emerald Hills Leisure Centre, 3555 Emerald Drive, Sherwood ParkÂ
Celebrate local artists. An opening reception at the Gemstone Gallery Youth Art Space to continue celebrating the artwork of the award-winning youth artists from the Art Society of Strathcona County’s 2024 Student Art Competition.Â
Artist Workshops (18Y+)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
May 25, 2024 (1pm – 4pm) Gallery@501 *registration required*, 501 Festival Avenue #120, Sherwood ParkÂ
Unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting out, Strathcona Contemporary welcomes all creatives to join this enriching celebration of art, fostering a supportive environment for growth and expression. Join us for an afternoon of hands-on creativity with two artists featured in the Strathcona Contemporary exhibition.  Register by calling Gallery@501 at 780-410-8585 or email artgallery@strathcona.ca.       Â
Arts and Culture Info Panel            Â
June 1, 2024 (1pm – 3pm) Gallery@501, 501 Festival Avenue #120, Sherwood Park Â
Cultivate growth. Elevate your art practice through shared experiences and knowledge exchange. Learn about the exciting opportunities available for Strathcona County artists. A panel of arts administrators and community activators will share information about different programs, grants and resources for you to grow your art career locally. Followed by a Q&A session.  Â
Artists’ Pecha Kucha                     Â
June 7, 2024 (6:30pm – 9pm) Agora and Gallery@501, 501 Festival Avenue #120, Sherwood Park Â
Celebrate local artists. Join us for a dynamic celebration hosted by the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County showcasing the incredible talent of Strathcona County’s art community in Pecha Kutcha style! Seven artists from past Salon exhibitions and the current Strathcona Contemporary exhibition will share their stories and the annual art acquisitions will be announced.  Â
About the Program
Guided by the Art Collection Advisory Committee, the 2024 Art Acquisition program takes place during the reimagined Strathcona Contemporary (formerly known as the "Strathcona Salon") — an extensive exhibition of the artists who shape the County’s creative ecology. The Strathcona Contemporary is a two-month celebration of local artists and artisans that features five different events for local artists, youth, and community to:Â
- connect with peers Â
- inspire and be inspiredÂ
- engage with the communityÂ
- cultivate individuals' growth Â
- unleash creativity in the communityÂ
From the exhibition, eligible artworks are considered for purchase by a jury of practicing artists and curators.Â
This year the Strathcona Contemporary will host an opening reception at the Gallery@501, a celebration at the Gemstone Gallery, two workshops, a professional development panel, and a Pecha Kutcha closing celebration hosted by the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County. Â
Winners of the Art Society of Strathcona County’s annual youth exhibition are invited to loan their artwork to the County for one year to be featured in the Gemstone Gallery at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre.
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General guidelines
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Artists residing within the municipal boundaries of Strathcona County  who are 18 years of age or older.  
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Artists living in Canada with a significant connection to Strathcona County who are 18 years of age or older.  
Strathcona County is committed to equity in the arts. With the intention of building a permanent art collection that is representative of our diverse community, the Strathcona County Public Art team and the Art Collection Advisory Committee are committed to addressing bias and improving diversity within our collection efforts. We encourage and welcome submissions that represent the diversity of this community, including representation from artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and people with disabilities. We recognize there may be barriers for some when applying. If you require accommodations please contact the Public Art team.
Note: Artists whose work was selected for County purchase in 2023 may participate in "The Strathcona Salon" exhibition but their artwork will not be eligible for purchase until 2025. -
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2. How do I participate as an artist living outside of Strathcona County?
Permanent link to How do I participate as an artist living outside of Strathcona County?Artists who do not live in Strathcona County but have a significant connection to the area are welcome to apply to participate. These participants are asked to provide a brief description of their relationship to the area within their application. Applications from non-Strathcona County Residents must be approved by the Art Collection Advisory Committee before the artist can participate.
The Art Collection Advisory Committee will review and evaluate responses with equal consideration given to:
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The overall impact of your contributions to Strathcona County:
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Have you ever worked or volunteered in Strathcona County? If so, for how many years?
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Have you made any artistic contributions to Strathcona County?
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Have you exhibited your artwork in Strathcona County?
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Does your artistic practice have a considerable focus on Strathcona County?
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The significance Strathcona County holds for you personally:
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Have you ever lived in Strathcona County? If so, how many years?
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Are you an active member of a community or faith-based organization in Strathcona County?
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Are you an Indigenous artist whose homelands overlaps with Strathcona County?
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Are you an Indigenous artist with ancestral, traditional, or ceremonial ties to the area?
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Artists are encouraged to contact the Public Art team prior to applying, especially if their connection to the County is not covered through the examples above.
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3. Where and when do I drop off my artwork?
Permanent link to Where and when do I drop off my artwork?Artists will deliver their artwork to Gallery@501 during one of the scheduled drop-off times.
Gallery@501
501 Festival Ave #120
Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 4X3April 19, 1- 6 p.m & April 20, 1 - 4 p.m
Artists may arrange to ship their artwork to Gallery@501, however, the artist is responsible for covering all shipping costs (including return shipping).
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4. Where and when do I pick up my artwork?
Permanent link to Where and when do I pick up my artwork?Artists pick up their artwork from Gallery@501 after the exhibit closes.
Gallery@501
501 Festival Ave #120
Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 4X3
June 23, 1 - 4 p.m & June 24, 1 - 6 p.m
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5. Information for gallery representatives
Permanent link to Information for gallery representativesGallery representatives may apply on behalf of an artist. Sales inquiries may be directed to the artist’s representing gallery. For more information, contact Strathcona County Public Art.
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Contact Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture for assistance:
780-467-2211
 
Artwork requirements
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Artists may submit two and three-dimensional artwork in any medium. Any artwork that is original, initiated by the artist, and completed within the last four years may be eligible.
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One artwork (e.g., one canvas, frame, or sculpture)
OR
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Two artworks (e.g., two canvases, frames, or sculptures)
OR
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One multi-part artwork or small series (e.g., a diptych, triptych, or a collection of related prints)
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3. What is considered a multipart artwork or series of works?
Permanent link to What is considered a multipart artwork or series of works?A multipart-artwork refers to dyptychs, triptychs, or other artworks comprised of separate parts. A series of works refers to artwork that is visually connected through a subject matter, pattern, medium, technique, palette, and size. Though separate, the components of a series or multi-part artwork should feel like one larger artwork when installed. The Jalopy Collection (2007) by Julie Witten Land is an example of a series.
All two-dimensional artworks in a series must be the same size and have matching frames. Three-dimensional artworks may vary in size and shape.
Artists must provide a diagram or instructions for installing multi-part artworks or series including their preferred arrangement and spacing between artworks.
Note: Space at Gallery@501 is limited. Though every effort will be made to exhibit all eligible submissions, Gallery@501 may not have room to accommodate all artworks in a series. In this case, the artist will be contacted before the exhibit opening. Though staff will follow artists’ instructions whenever possible, the placement of artworks is up to the discretion of Gallery@501 staff. -
Artworks must weigh fifty pounds or less. Staff must be able to safely move the artwork without special equipment or the artist’s assistance.
Two-dimensional artwork (or any artwork intended to hand on a wall):
- Combined area up to 28 square-feet (height of tallest artwork x total width of all artworks)
Three-dimensional artwork:
- Maximum footprint of 2.25 square feet per artwork (width x depth)
- Maximum height of 8 feet
Two-dimensional series:
- up to 28 square feet including space between artworks (artists must provide instructions and/or a diagram for installation).
Three-dimensional series:
- Maximum footprint of 2.25 square feet per artwork (width x depth)
- Maximum combined footprint of 9 square feet with at least 0.5 feet between artworks
- Maximum height of 8 feet
- Maximum height of 8 feet
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5. How do I prepare my artwork for display?
Permanent link to How do I prepare my artwork for display?-
Photograph: If possible, take a quality photograph of the artwork prior to framing. Cell phone photography is acceptable.  
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Labels: Label your artwork on the back or bottom with the title of the work, your name and phone number. 
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Framing: Two-dimensional artworks on paper or similar substrates must be framed or include alternative hanging hardware (rare-earth magnets, clips, etc.). Professional, museum-standard framing is not mandatory. 
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D-Rings: On conventional 2-dimensional artworks, such as framed artwork and canvases, D-rings are the preferred hardware. If you require assistance or further instruction for installing hanging hardware, contact Strathcona County Public Art. 
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- Artwork that exceeds number, size, or weight limits, or artwork that cannot be spatially or technically accommodated by Gallery@501 is not eligible.
- Artwork that was previously submitted to “The Strathcona Salon” is not eligible.
- Artwork created prior to 2020 is not eligible for display (no exceptions).
- Any artwork that poses physical danger to staff or gallery visitors is not eligible.
- Artwork that depicts profanity, pornographic images, or graphic violence will not be permitted.
- Portraits created without consent of the individuals depicted are not permitted.
- Artwork that purposefully imitates another work of art is not permitted.
- Artwork that perpetuates harmful stereotypes, racism, or gendered violence is not permitted.
Artwork sales and donations
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1. Can I sell my artwork during the exhibition?
Permanent link to Can I sell my artwork during the exhibition?In addition to submitting work to the Art Acquisition Program, artists may list their work for sale during the exhibition. Pricing information for all artworks will be kept with reception at Gallery@501. With your consent, your contact information will be shared with interested buyers. 
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Artwork submitted for donation to the collection is accepted at the discretion of the Jury. Although the County appreciates such offers, it is unable to accept all donations of artwork.
Jury and selection process
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1. How are artworks selected for acquisition?
Permanent link to How are artworks selected for acquisition?The Art Acquisition Selection Committee will consist of 3 professional practicing artists and/or curators. New jurors are appointed each year. The professional backgrounds of the jurors may vary from year to year.  
The jury recommends artwork for Strathcona County’s Permanent Collection based on the following Criteria:  
- Presentation 
- Aesthetic quality  
- Technical excellence and craftsmanship  
- Overall success and effect 
- Quality of materials and future conservation or maintenance requirements 
Recommendations for Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection will be made by the jury with the final recommendations being made by the Art Collection Advisory Committee and approved by Strathcona County Council.
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2. How many artworks are selected for purchase each year?
Permanent link to How many artworks are selected for purchase each year?The number of artworks purchased varies depending on the the selection jury's decision and the prices of artworks. With a typical budget of $10,000, the jury recommends approximately seven to ten artworks for purchase each year.
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3. What if my artwork is selected for acquisition?
Permanent link to What if my artwork is selected for acquisition?If your artwork is selected for acquisition, your artwork will be inducted into Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection. Acquisitions will be displayed in Strathcona County’s Artrium for up to one year immediately following the Salon Series Exhibition, then distributed throughout county buildings and offices. Your artwork will also be profiled online in the County’s Permanent Art Collection online gallery.  
To finalize the purchase, you must sign an artwork purchase agreement and the artwork will remain with Strathcona County. You will be paid by cheque. 
Artwork recommended for purchase will be announced at the Pecha Kutcha & Strathcona Contemporary Celebration on June 7, 6 - 9 p.m. Selected artists will be contacted prior to the event.
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Visitors to the exhibit can vote on their favourite artwork. A “Peoples’ Choice Award” of $100.00 will be presented at the artists’ reception. Voting will be open from April 26 to June 6. Visitors may only vote once.
Direct questions and concerns to Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture:
Phone: 780-467-2211
Email: artacquisition@strathcona.ca
Receive timely updates on artist calls, exhibition opportunities, and Gallery@501 programs
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Last updated: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Page ID: 38811