Artists sought for 1812 art contest

Pieter van Hiel, staff
NIAGARA THIS WEEK
January 12, 2012

Artists of all ages are invited to create and submit original works to Grimsby’s eighth annual Heritage Art Contest. Most years, artists are welcome to take their inspiration from any period in the town’s history. This year, in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, artists are asked to use wartime events as their muse.

“This is something that’s been going on a few years. This year, we’ve based the art contest on the 1812 celebrations. It’s a great opportunity for people to delve into the history of the role played by Grimsby,” said Barbara Longfield, chair of the Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee. The committee oversees the annual contest. Longfield said artists should not feel limited by the choice of theme.

 

 “You’re not limited to battles. It’s the whole 1812 picture, as to how Grimsby worked at that time... we did have houses here at that time, and a lot of farming, and there were also some military engagements,” said Longfield, encouraging artists to research in the town archives. She suggested entries might focus around the local battles, historical homes and lifestyles that defined Grimsby’s involvement in the war.

“Grimsby played a significant role,” Longfield said. The contest is open to artists of all ages, provided they are residents of Grimsby or attend school here. Submissions are judged in categories according to age, ranging from junior kindergarten to adult. Each category will have three different cash prizes, $75 for first, $50 for second prize and $25 for third prize. Prizes will be away in a ceremony at the art gallery on Feb. 19 Entry forms are available at the town’s website. Artistic works in every media will be accepted.
“It’s not just paintings, it’s sculptures, needlework, anything in an art field. This is a real opportunity for the residents of Grimsby to get involved in this historic event,” said Longfield.

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