Belleville’s Parrott gallery still in need of entries for juried show

The John M. Parrott Gallery is located on the third floor of the Belleville Public Library. Photo by Graham Whittaker, QNet News

By Graham Whittaker

BELLEVILLE – The John M. Parrott Gallery is still in need of original art entries to be featured in its 13th juried show with the March 27 deadline approaching.

The show will run from May 7 until June 4.

The number of entries is so far lower than was expected, according to Linda Miller, a gallery clerk assisting the curator in organizing the show.

The call for entries was put out later than usual, Miller acknowledged.

“So far we’re a little slow,” she said. “We were a little late getting the ad out, so we don’t have a lot yet. We’ve had less than 100 submissions so far.”

The call has been out since late January and has been advertised weekly on community event calendars since. Artists in the Quinte area can submit up to two pieces for a fee of $25, and the best submissions will be included in the show.

The theme is Faces and Places. The show will feature artwork displaying where the artist draws their inspiration, happiness or joy from, Miller said.

“Our idea is more for something that inspires you. It could be your backyard or a sidewalk café in Paris. I mean, it could be your dog’s face as soon as you see it and you know when you are home. So it’s very open and very gentle.”

The show is a great way for new and established artists to gain exposure in the community, she said. Awards will be handed out on May 7 at 6 p.m.

“We are open for beginners and seasoned artists. Especially if you’re a beginner, it would get you some exposure to what’s out there. And even some people who have been painting for quite a while – if this is something you like to do, why not put it out and let people see it?”

The show is open to works across all mediums, not just paintings and visual art, Miller said. However, it will take some creativity to make it work within the theme, she added.

“Music might even work,” she said. “We have had people set up monitors and have a loop going with maybe somebody playing or a recording of some sort. If you could figure out how to make it work you could (enter) it, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to get in the show.”