EAC Juried Show Begins Thursday, EPAC Sculpture Voting Ends Sunday

We’ve seen a tremendous array of art activities in Edina over the summer, the Edina Art Fair in June; the Minnesota Artists' Association’s 75th Anniversary Show at the Edina Art Center (EAC) in August and Fall into the Arts at Centennial Lakes earlier this month. Now that fall has arrived, there are still more fun events to come before year's end.

Did you see the full page piece about Michael Frey, Interim Director of the Edina Art Center in Edina Magazine in the September issue (Page 45, Eyes on Art Gala)? Check it out.

Six events of note: 

28th ANNUAL MEMBERS’ JURIED SHOW at EAC Sept. 27-Oct. 31

Mark your calendar for the opening in the Margaret Foss Gallery at the Edina Art Center. Opening Reception is this Thur., Sept. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m.  Judges’ critique will be at 6 p.m. The show runs through Oct. 31. Come and bring friends. 

There was a flurry of activity at the Edina Art Center last week as just over 100 members brought in over 250 paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry and other artwork. Thanks to the staff and many dedicated volunteers who helped make the occasion seamless.

Over $600 in cash awards will be given to selected winners. Three Awards each for Excellence and Merit plus a special Betsy Bryant Pottery Award will be presented to the winning artists at the opening reception. A Peer Award, voted on only by those artists whose work is chosen for the show, will be announced in mid-October. The winner will receive a ribbon and $75 plus the winning piece will be displayed in the gallery.  

I overheard one artist commenting that “You can tell the artists are really passionate about their work,” as she viewed piece after piece of outstanding artwork.

EDINA PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE NEWS

SCULPTURE VOTING CLOSES SUNDAY, SEPT. 30

Voting will come to a close at all three locations Sunday, Sept. 30, for the 4th Annual Edina Sculpture Exhibition, organized by the Edina Public Art Committee (EPAC).

Voting has been steady since the 11 new sculptures were installed at the beginning of June.  Hundreds of people have marked ballots for their favorite one among the 11 new sculptures at the three locations (The Promenade, 50th & France and Grandview Square Park).  

The top three sculptures will receive First, Second and Third Place People’s Choice Awards with prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively. The winning artists will be invited to extend their sculptures displays for an additional year. 

SCULPTURE TOURS OFFERED TWICE A MONTH

Interest was expressed to EPAC that tours of The Promenade would be welcomed allowing the public to learn more about the sculptures and artists. EPAC members and supporters began tours in July.  Meet at the Pinecone at Centennial Lakes and plan about an hour. Tours take place monthly on the first Sunday at noon and the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. They will continue during the fall and winter ~ if there is enough public interest. If you would like to sign up for a tour or schedule a special tour for your group at a different time, please call the Edina Art Center at 952-903-5780.  

THE AUTHOR’S STUDIO

This popular new event at the Edina Art Center takes place the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Foss Gallery. Go to the EAC website ArtCenter@EdinaMN.gov for information on the participating author. The event is hosted by EAC Board Member and author Colin Nelson. 

SECOND ANNUAL EDINA FILM FESTIVAL OCT. 25-27

John Swon, EAC Board Member, is heading up this event with a dedicated committee. Films will be shown at the Edina Cinema at 50th & France. More information including a list of films being shown will be available on the EAC website.

EPAC CHAIR CHANGES

EPAC said farewell to its much appreciated Chair, Lois Ring, at their September meeting and welcomed me ~ Barbara La Valleur ~ as its new Chair.  Ring served as Chair for two years and was on the committee for a total of five years. Only the second person to head the committee, Ring, an artist herself, followed Linda Kieffer, formerly of Edina, who was instrumental in starting EPAC and served as its first chair. Ring was responsible for expanding the sculpture exhibit to 50th & France this year and devoted countless hours supporting public art over the years. Hat’s off, Lois!  

I am honored to serve as Chair of EPAC. My committment is to expand public art in Edina and engage citizens of all ages to participate in the process.  Currently, I’m also a member of the EAC Board and serve as representative between the two groups. EPAC is a committee of EAC. Your ideas for public art are important to me. So, please let me hear from you. Just call me at 612-578-2422 or email me: barbara.lavalleur@gmail.com 

EDINA: Every Day I Need Art