A BRIEF HISTORY

Art in the County, a juried art show and sale sponsored by the Prince Edward County Arts Council, was launched in 1993. The organizing committee in that inaugural year was comprised of four committed individuals: Paul Adams, June Boddington, Bob Hintz and Estelle Klein. The spark came from one of these members who recalled seeing an exhibition of art in the park at Tweed, and thought it would be a great idea for such a show somewhere in Prince Edward County. It was decided to hold the first show at the Picton Town Hall and it would be juried by outside professional artists.

With advice from the Quinte Arts Council, which had long experience in sponsoring art exhibitions, and seed money from the Community Development Corporation, the volunteer committee planned the first show. In the first years, only two-dimensional pieces were accepted, works in oil and watercolour. Since then the show has expanded to include a wide range of media, both two- and three-dimensional. Three Juror Awards were given in the early years; there are now five Jurors Awards, as well as up to five Honourable Mention Awards. There has always been a People's Choice Award awarded at the end of the show based on visitors' choices.

For the first Art in the County, local sponsors jumped on board with great enthusiasm - a dozen local businesses contributed either money or in-kind services. A growing number of local businesses and individuals have continued to support the exhibition each year. Art in the County steadily gained stature and grew in size under the wise stewardship of many County artists and lovers of the arts. This annual show enjoys an exceptional reputation among County residents and summer visitors as a highly professional and outstanding art show in Eastern Ontario.

adapted from text by Gwen Hoover