The 12 Annual Grand Prix of Art a Massive success

One hundred and fifteen artists registered to compete in the 12th annual Grand Prix of Art, Steveston.
Artists took to the the streets of Steveston at 10:00am Saturday September 3rd in a  race against the clock with the goal of completing a work of art on location. Thirty-five carefully chosen painting location spanned the south arm of the Fraser River along the historic Steveston waterfront from London Heritage Farm to Garry Point Park.  The quality of work produced was representative of the success of the event as a whole, colourful, exciting and beautifully executed.  Crowds of supporters  flocked to Steveston to admire and cheer on artists as they competed in three categories:  Masters, Adult Open and Youth.
The Travelling Brush’s 12th annual Steveston Grand Prix of Art was organised and hosted by Phoenix Art Workshop in partnership with the City of Richmond and  Key partner Royal Bank of Canada.  Thank you to  our Community partners: Tourism Richmond,  Penta Building Group, Maryann Burrows, Applewood Nissan Richmond, Soo Jerky,  Steveston Bakery, RE/MAX and the Steveston Insider.  As well as event patrons O’Hares Pub, Damian Waffles,  What’s on Richmond, Escoda Brushes, Holbein Canada, and the Richmond Artist Guild, Thank you all for your important support.
This year artists, spectators, volunteers and art enthusiasts enjoyed a festival atmosphere as artists returned to celebrate the artist’s accomplishments at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site,.   Live music by Sangre Morena, Ranj Singh, Crabgrass and Swing to Beat set the tone of celebrations. While artists enjoyed an amazing picnic lunch, visitors could feed their creative hunger making relief prints at Phoenix Art Workshop’s interactive tent, enjoy demonstrations by Nima Stoneware, Joanna Lovett Jewellery, Bark’n Pet Portraits, make a traditional Cedar woven Rose with First Nations artisan Rita Point Komft or have their face captured in character by Steveston’s own Cartoon Katie.
The event was highlighted of course by the exhibition of works by artists in all categories, with over 1800 Applewood Nissan Richmond People’s Choice ballots being cast for their favourite works of art.  Thirty-six paintings sold, a record number, putting over $10,000 directly into the pockets of artists.  Sunday’s exhibition highlight was musicians Sam Wallace and Moira Chilcilo, and when all the ballots were counted, Javid Tabatabaei with his beautiful watercolour “Steveston View”
The Royal Bank of Canada’s Master Category top prize of $1200 and caretaker of the Dan Gray Trophy was James Koll with his watercolour “Cannery Wharf”.  Second place was Surnoor Singh, “ Britannia Walk”, and  Moe Khaleel (last years defending champion) took home the bronze medal.
The Maryann Burrows top Open Category prize went to Orion Alexis for his watercolour ”Britannia Fishermen”  taking home a cheque for $500 and the Adult Open Trophy.  Harvey Chan won the 2nd place Open Category with his pastel Steveston Rhapsody, and Mia Chen won the bronze medal titled “Steveston Harbour”
The Richmond Artist Guild Youth gold medal was won by Mikey Telias with his painting of “A Grand Ol Time”, Twiggy Chen took home the silver medal with her work “Anvil Cove” and Amelia Kempler the bronze with “The Rainbow Shipyard”
An amazing turn out of talented artists, who all deserve our gratitude and credit for battling the clock, elements and a surprise location and creating beautiful artwork in just 3 short hours.
Finally a very special thanks to all our Volunteers who make this event happen each and every year, without you, this event is not possible.

RBC Masters Category

1st Place James Koll