East Granby Public Library to Host 10th Annual Juried Art Show

Lisa Salazar, the director of the , said that she never could have predicted 10 years ago that the annual juried art show hosted at the library would grow into what it has become.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Salazar said in a recent interview. “It’s a big deal; there’s so many people who are such talented artists in the area.”

Indeed, last year’s show, which is a fundraiser for the library, drew 150 submissions from artists from all over New England.

This year’s show, which opens on Jan. 28 and runs through March 3, figures to be the largest yet, according to Salazar.

Folk singer Hannah Fair will perform at the show’s opening on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m., and refreshments will be served. Art Scholz, a renown watercolorist, will serve as this year’s jurist.

East Granby resident Lori Rapuano, who helps organize the event, said that it has grown in popularity over the years.

“People really look forward to it,” she said.

The rules for submissions this year are as follows:

• Artists may submit up to two original works produced within the last two years;

• The show will accept oil/acrylic, pastel/graphics, sculpture/multimedia and watercolor. Sculptures may not exceed 100 pounds, nor require more than 1 square yard of floor space. Artists must supply their own sculpture stands. The show will not accept, however, photography or computer art;

• There are two dates to submit pieces: Jan. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. or Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

• Separate children’s divisions will also be showcased for ages under 7, 7 to 10 years old, 11 to 13, and 14 to 17. All children’s work will be accepted;

• Entry fees are $20 for the first entry, $10 for the second and $10 for a children’s entry;

• All pieces, except for children’s pieces, must be framed and wired for hanging;

• There are 19 prizes available, including $300 for Best in Show, a $175 Judges Award and $25 awards for first and second place in the various children’s categories.

Salazar said that the show goes beyond prizes, however.

“It’s an opportunity for artists to share their work with the rest of the community,” she said.

Kathy LeBlanc, director of the children’s library, said that she has been impressed with the quality of work that is submitted by the area’s youth.

“We have some very talented young artists,” she said.

LeBlanc said that the children’s submissions, which tend to number around 30 each year, tend to come from kids in town, though some children and grandchildren of residents in East Granby also submit pieces.

“It’s popular and the kids love seeing their art hung in the library for a couple of months,” LaBlanc said. “They love to see the ribbons on their work.”

The East Granby Public Library is located at 24 Center St. For more information on the juried art show, visit www.egpl.org or call Salazar or LeBlanc 860-653-3002.