A selection of talent

Kuwahara – who received a juror’s award during the kick-off of Arts Ottawa East (AOE) Arts Council’s member-artist exhibit, Selections, on Wednesday, Oct. 7 – though a long-time member of AOE, only recently returned to oil painting after her husband died at the end of a long battle with cancer in June. “(I’ve been with AOE) for many years,” she recounts. “(While he was ill) I didn’t have the time or the place to paint. I’ve come back to painting. It’s my first experience in many years.”

Receiving the award for her painting The Three Amigos “gives me more energy to paint and to keep doing what I love,” Kuwahara explains. “I was surprised. I didn’t expect to win anything; I just wanted to show my work. It was a gift, really.”

Kuwahara is one of 44 member artists featured in Selections, currently on display at Trinity Gallery in the Shenkman Arts Centre until Oct. 27. The range of works were selected by blind jury, explains Cristiane Doherty, director of communications for AOE Arts Council, as part of an annual exhibit to demonstrate their member’s unique talents. “Every year they surprise us with the quality of the work,” she says.

This year, 70 artists submitted a total of 216 pieces, continues Louise Michaud, program co-ordinator for AOE, with 60 pieces featured in Selections ranging from mixed media to photography to sculpture. “It’s very eclectic,” Michaud describes of what’s included in the exhibit, including portraiture, landscapes and abstract work. “(The artists) work in different mediums, different themes.”

With the number of submissions almost doubled this year, Michaud attributes that jump to the new space available. “There’s such a buzz around the centre itself,” she adds. “I’m sure they’re very proud (to be showing in Shenkman). Some of them have been members of AOE forever. They’ve been involved in all the discussions about an arts centre in the east end; they’ve been pushing. For them, it’s finally here.”

For Michaud, it’s “very exciting” to have the Trinity Gallery now hosting Selections, especially as one of the exhibitors herself. “I’m very proud we can offer that gallery to them,” she explains. “It’s very professional … it’s recognition of their talents. (Visitors) will be very in awe with what can be done.”

While shows like Selections are of clear benefit to the artists, community members are also taking something positive away from the experience, continues Kuwahara, calling Shenkman a “beautiful, impressive” place. “It’s excellent for the community to know people (are creating these works),” she suggests. “It’s only a good thing.” For more information, please visit www.artsoe.ca