The opening reception of the fourth annual Vaughan Juried Exhibition ? An Art Integration Project took place on Friday, May 28 at the City Playhouse Theatre. The event features a month-long display of artwork by emerging and established visual artists from Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area.

Best in Show - Horinzontal Reflections by Victor Paluck

Reserve Best in Show - Burn With Forester by Frances Patella

The exhibition showcases 23 original works of art chosen by a professional panel from over 120 submissions that represent a wide range of art media including oil, acrylic, watercolour, encaustic, sculpture and photography.

?The Vaughan Arts Advisory Committee established this exhibition four years ago to provide an opportunity for both emerging and established visual artists from Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area to be able to display their art. The success of this event has grown tremendously over the years, and this exhibition brings to the forefront the impressive artistic talent within our community," said Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Chair of the Vaughan Arts Advisory Committee. ?It is my pleasure to extend an invitation to the public to visit the City Playhouse and enjoy the wonderful work on display.?

Awards were earned by a number of exhibiting artists following the jury panel?s selection of works in the top categories: Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, and Juror?s Award of Merit. Best in Show was awarded to Victor Paluck for his high realism painting, Horizontal Reflections; Reserve Best in Show went to Frances Patella for her photo based mixed media work, Burn with Forester; and, the Juror?s Award of Merit was assigned to works by Glenn Bernabe, Salvatore Gallo, Giuseppe Pivetta and Ron Wild.

?I was delighted to officiate at the awards ceremony on behalf of the Mayor who was out of the country on official business,? said Acting Mayor and Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio. ?The award recipients have demonstrated a commitment to their art that is an inspiration to young people who are thinking about pursuing a career in the arts.?

The People?s Choice Award will be decided by public vote. Residents are encouraged to visit the exhibition and cast a vote for their favourite work. In addition, an honorarium may be awarded to an exhibiting artist if the City decides to permanently acquire their work for installation in public viewing spaces through the Art Integration Program.

?We recognize that arts and culture are integral to a vibrant community,? said Mayor Linda Jackson. ?This exhibition is another example of how Vaughan is supporting its commitment to preserving our heritage and supporting diversity, arts and culture.?

The artwork will be on display in the lobby area of the theatre from May 28 to June 27. Members of the public are welcome to view the exhibition on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free and there is ample parking.

The City Playhouse Theatre is located at 1000 New Westminster Drive in Thornhill. The theatre is owned by the City of Vaughan and offers a variety of live shows and entertainment for the whole family.

The Vaughan Juried Art Exhibition is organized by the City?s Recreation and Culture Department with assistance from the Vaughan Arts Advisory Committee, a community group dedicated to promoting the arts and providing meaningful vehicles for creative expression.

For more information, please contact Angela Palermo, Cultural Services Manager at 905-832-8585 ext. 8139.

Jurors' Award of Merit - Subway Platform by Glenn Bernabe

Jurors' Award of Merit - Gelee Blanche Apres La Neige by Giuseppe Pivetta

Jurors' Award of Merit - The Snow Light by Salvatore Gallo

Jurors' Award of Merit - Film Strip by Ron Wild