In 2010 we started something exciting here in Steveston; inspired by the old ABC, Wild World of Sports opening slogan “the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition” we envisioned the Grand Prix of Art as an event to celebrate artists in the same way ABC celebrated athletes each Saturday, and everyone tuned in to watch. This unique painting challenge puts artist first as they race against the clock, adrenaline running, enduring the natural elements and battling the distractions of live competition…. but here in Steveston, there is no agony of defeat; we celebrate all the artists, from the most experienced Masters to the youngest Youth. This year we have the strongest artist line up yet; but that is not all! We also will have an amazing group of talented musicians as well as craftspeople on site to entertain artists and spectators.
After a couple of unusual years interrupted by Covid, our event is back to the old format with painters starting at 10am, completing their paintings in the 3 hour time frame, and then returning their work to Britannia Heritage Shipyard’s Seine Net Loft for the exhibition, adjudication, and sale. The Artist Picnic this year is provided by Steveston Bakery and Soo Jerky, with the powerful Latin vocals of Elsa Rojas Marquez and Jose Gimenes on the Flamenco Guitar to entertain the artists and host our award ceremonies.
At the exhibition field we are hosting more live music, including the Dane Warren Trio, Ranj Singh, Swing2beat with Sam Wallace, and Moira Chicilo entertaining exhibition guests on Sunday. We are also hosting 3 amazing gastronomy experiences, including Steveston’s own D Original Sausage Haus, Richmond-based food truck Callejera’s traditional Mexican food, and Cultivate. Cultivate is not just your average food truck, it is a vehicle for community building and social investment, and we feel that all three of these food service fit together perfectly, building stronger, healthier communities for tomorrow.
We are asking all attendees to bring masks and observe social distancing etiquette and as a precaution, we may limit numbers entering the exhibition space. We are expecting a record number of artists and spectators this year, which is one of the reason we are inviting a limited number of Artisans to participate in our first Grand Prix Artisan Market. Phoenix Art Workshop will be hosting a hands on printmaking experience where guests can make their own Britannia Heritage Shipyards relief print. We are accepting applications for other artisans wanting to display/sell hand made crafts. A priority will be given to artisans with the ability to demonstrate their craft making on location and have experience with these types of marketplaces. Please send a letter of interest to mark@phoenixartworkshop.com
There is still time to register as an artist for the 12th Steveston Grand Prix of Art, but time is running out — register now!
Mark Glavina
