Friday July 28, 2023 | SOOKE, BC [Updated 11:40 am]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Island Social Trends is proudly a Platinum Sponsor again this year.
See full list of 2023 Sponsors
Tonight the Purchaser’s Preview kicks off the 2023 Sooke Fine Arts Show. The ticketed event often sells out. Tickets are $45. Check to see if tickets are now still available: 250-642-7256. All tickets for the Purchaser’s Preview must be purchased in advance of the event – there will be no ticket sales at the door.
The 10-day Sooke Fine Arts Show and sale runs July 29 through August 7.
Enjoy the approximately 375 artworks on exhibit, the gift shop, the demos and the crowd of fellow art enthusiasts.
Art is accepted from contributors around the coastal islands region. Artists work independently, but overall show themes vary from year to year based on the selections made by jurors.
This year’s jurors:
Each year, the selection of exhibited works sets a unique tone for the show.
This year’s set of three jurors for Sooke Fine Arts Show 2023 is comprised of David MacWilliam, Kathleen Prince and Mike Svob.
- David MacWilliam was born in Halifax and raised in Victoria, bringing a two-coast filter to his adjudication. A painter, he has curated and co-curated several exhibitions throughout Vancouver and the lower mainland. He taught at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design (1988-2017). He has a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and an MA in Visual Arts from University of the Arts London
- Kathleen Prince was raised in Oak Bay. She has worked at the Legacy Art Gallery and volunteered at the Royal BC Museum and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. She is now gallery manager at The Avenue Gallery in Oak Bay. She has a B.A. (Hons) and M.A. degrees in History in Art from the University of Victoria.
- Mike Svob has spent a 40-year artistic career mastering watercolours, acrylics and oils. He studied at the University of Western Ontario and served as a past president of the Federation of Canadian Artists. He now juries each year for large and small art organizations throughout Canada and the US.
Event profile:
Here is the lineup of events, with ticket prices and other info.
PURCHASERS’ PREVIEW……………………… FRIDAY JULY 28, 7-10PM
Be one of the first of over 9,000 to view 370+ original artworks before the gallery’s
public opening. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and contemporary
classical jazz by Broke & Blue. Whether a first-time buyer, seasoned collector, or
passionate art lover, you won’t want to miss this special opportunity to preview the
stunning works and perhaps claim a favourite piece.
– Admission is $45 + tax – Tickets go on sale in late June & sell out fast!
– Click here to purchase, or call the SFAS Office: 250-642-7256
FAMILY DAY………………………………….. TUESDAY AUGUST 1, 2-7PM
An afternoon of creative fun for the whole family! Crafts, activities, and
entertainment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
– Kids 12 and under always free
– Admission for adults accompanied by children is $5 after 2:00PM
SENIORS’ TEA………………………………… WEDNESDAY AUG 2, 1-5pm
Seniors 65+ are invited to a white-linen service of tea & scones in the gallery
while enjoying live music.
– Free for Seniors with admission
– Adults/kids/youth under 65 – $5
YOUTH ART GALLERY…………………………………………………… DAILY
Juried submissions from art students from SD62 Sooke Secondary Schools.
Donations during the show support Sooke Fine Art’s Youth Scholarship program.
ARTIST TALKS, DEMOS & TOURS…………….. DAILY (schedule available soon)
Visitors have the chance to meet & learn from exhibiting artists through
daily live talks, demos and tours.
– Included with admission
M-ART-KET NIGHT AT THE GALLERY ………. THURSDAY, AUG 3, 5-9PM
The Show will stay open until 9:00 PM for Sooke commuters and market goers.
Shop the market, have some dinner and attend the show!
– Reduced Admission: $5 for adults and seniors after 5:00 pm.
ARTIST CELEBRATION…………………… FRIDAY, AUG 4, 7-10PM
This is a special invite-only event to celebrate our participating artists and the sponsors
who generously support the show. Artist Award presentations begin at 7:15 pm.
The evening includes complimentary sips and tastings, with music by Karel Roessingh Trio.
