SSNAP, the Salt Spring National Art Prize had its first exhibition at Mahon Hall in Ganges in 2015. It was a big success and now the second exhibition is on at Mahon Hall until October 22. There were around 1300 submissions from artists across Canada including myself of which 49 finalists have been selected to participate in the Finalists’ Exhibition. Finalists may be selected to win one of eight awards, five selected by jurors and three selected by public vote. The award winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Night on Saturday, October 21, 2017. This exciting endeavour was the brain child of Salt Spring artist Ron Crawford and was taken up as an initiative of the Salt Spring Arts Council.

In conjunction with SSNAP, the Parallel show is on in the Artspring Gallery. Fifty outstanding local artists who submitted their work for SSNAP 2017 have been chosen to participate in this show. Curated by Matt Steffich and Anthony Matthews, the exhibition demonstrates why Salt Spring Island is known as one of the premier arts communities in Canada. This show I was honoured to be selected to participate in. I am glad the painting I did for SSNAP will be shown.

'Connected' acrylic on canvas 33" x 38" hexagon

I was part of the hanging crew this year for both shows. Nicola Wheston, who won the people's choice award in 2015 is known on Salt Spring for her excellent eye for hanging a top notch show. It was my job, with fellow artist Patrick McCallum, to follow the artist's instructions and assemble some of the installation pieces. It was challenging at times but I enjoyed the challenge. At the Parallel show I assisted Anthony Matthews, being a wall he could bounce ideas off and throwing in a few of my own suggestions for groupings as well. I enjoy helping others hang a show and am impressed by their vision that brings it all together.

My piece 'Connected' came about as a challenge to myself to do something interesting with the large hexagonal canvas I had been given a few years ago. I played on the idea of wrapping the canvas with the ribbon like petals (they are continued around the edges) and then I wanted to showcase the perfect golden ratio or fibonacci symmetry of the sunflower centre. I have it somewhat floating in space and yet the stalks reach out to connect with heaven and earth.

For further information on the shows visit www.saltspringartprize.com/events/