The Focus Art Association’s 2024 Fall Juried Exhibition is showcasing a captivating collection of local talent at Cornwall Square Mall. Held on the second floor, the exhibition features 70 carefully selected piecesfrom 42 artists, representing a diverse range of styles and mediums. The event, which spans two weekends, offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant creativity of the region’s artists.
The juried portion of the exhibition took place on November 9, where judges Brenda Sutton Mader and Gisèle Lapalme carefully reviewed thesubmissions. Brenda Sutton Mader, an accomplished potter and sketch artist from Montreal with an Alexandria studio, brings years of experience in exhibiting and teaching pottery and watercolors.
Next, Gisèle Lapalme, a seasoned artist and instructor from St-Lazare, Quebec, has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions and is known for her expertise in watercolors and oils. Both judges providedconstructive critiques, helping the artists refine their craft.
On November 16, an awards ceremony was held to recognize the juried show winners. Susan Irving received the prestigious Best of Show awardfor her multi-media piece City Lights. Judges also honored Suzanne Jodoin for her oil-on-wood piece Mother’s Love and Rose Desnoyers for her oil-on-canvas work Autumn’s Glory.
“This year’s exhibition is particularly special as it offers artists valuable feedback from the judges to help them grow and improve their craft. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect our community through art,” saidClaudine Trottier, President of Focus Art. She further emphasized theorganization’s commitment to supporting local artists, saying, “Our goal is to celebrate art and support artists in refining their skills.”
The exhibition continues from November 21 to 24, with gallery hours on Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the creativity on display andparticipate in selecting the People’s Choice Award by filling out a ballotduring their visit. The People’s Choice winner will be announced at the Focus Art members’ meeting in December.
