CORNER BROOK, N.L. — It may not have won an award, but Jackie Alcock said having her work honoured nationally was rewarding nonetheless.
The Corner Brook artist's forget-me-not rug, commemorating the men who fought in the First World War more than 100 years ago, had been nominated for the 2019/2020 Salt Spring National Art Prize.
It wasn’t selected for an award at the gala held in British Columbia recently, but Alcock was happy it was able to expand awareness of Newfoundland’s involvement in the war.
Alcock’s rug was one of 52 pieces selected as a finalist for the prize, an initiative of the Salt Springs Art Council, which represents the arts for Salt Spring Island, B.C. The biennial competition offers $38,000 in awards.
Her piece was included in the Finalists’ Exhibition which was displayed on Salt Spring Island from Sept. 21 to Oct. 21.
Alcock travelled there to attend the gala event held Oct. 19. She also presented a talk on her work Oct. 17.
She said the trip was a learning experience and it was an honour to have her piece included.
Alcock was taken aback by the artwork she saw at the gallery.
“Artwork really has to be seen in person," she said in an email. "If you think the website shows the real thing, think again."
On Oct. 20 the finalists met with the judges who explained the process of going from 1,973 entries down to the 52 finalists, and why they chose the ones they did. They also explained why they chose the winning pieces.
Alcock said it was a good event for seeing how others look at artwork and art in general.
“I was disappointed that my work did not win any award, but was pleased that it was one of the seven pieces sold at the show.”
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Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker
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