Amateur artists have a chance to display their artwork along with professionals in the It's Black + White juried art show at the Foyer Gallery, and new curator Toby Jaxon is calling for all types of artists to apply."I chose black and white as the theme because the two combinations offer such contrast and variety as far as media," said Jaxon. "I thought it would give good inspiration for other artists that are using different mediums as far as painting as well as three dimensional objects."Artists who may not have a series for an art show of their own would likely hand in a single piece to a group show like It's Black + White in order to test the waters said Jaxon."I am hoping this is a way to encourage brand new artists who are just starting out," she said.Artists can only hand in black and white art, which may include ojects such as jewelry, sculpture and ceramics."I've had several artists contact me and ask, 'can there just be a little bit of colour?' and it's like, 'Well, if I say yes then I can't control that,' so I am looking for art that will definitely fit that criteria," said Jaxon.Jaxon said she became the new curator for the Foyer Gallery two months ago when former curator Katherine Kerr and her husband moved to Edmonton in August for a new job.Since September Jaxon has already curated three art shows, the latest featuring fibre artist, Vanessa Cunningham, from Tuesday (Nov. 4) to Tuesday Dec. 2.This is Jaxon's first job as a curator. She says it hasn't been easy getting into the swing of things."I am kind of new at this game and I am relatively inexperienced, although I have been involved in the arts forever," said Jaxon.Jaxon is an interior decorator and an artist. She has decorated the council chambers at the District of Squamish and recently completed re-designing the aquatic centre in Brennan Park. Last summer she began painting a number of child and dog portraits. At the Art Walk event last September she showcased a portrait of Corsa Cycles owners Dave Heisler and Sandra Brull's dog Milo."Milo was a well-known dog on the mountain biking scene who passed away a couple of years ago. He had these big dreadlocks," said Jaxon. Jaxon said she became the curator because it gave her a broader reach in the community. "I've lived in Squamish for 12 years and the first part of it I didn't get involved too much with the community," she said. "It has really been my focus in these last few years getting involved in the arts. There are so many more opportunities to show your own work when you are involved with different clubs and societies like that."The deadline for submissions is Saturday Nov. 15 and must include a photo of the art piece, a statement describing the artwork as well as a biography of the artist.It's Black + White show will run from Tuesday, Feb. 3 to Monday, March 9. Contact [email protected] for a submission form.
