The human face is a window to emotion, but according to Squamish Arts Council (SAC) member Zoe Evamy, it can also be a reflection of where we live.
That is why Evamy is calling on local artists and other residents to submit visual representations for Face It!, a portrait exhibit at the SAC building exploring Squamish through the people who work and play below the face of its trademark monolith.
"I wanted to try and put a call out for everybody, not just artists, to express themselves as people who live here and how the environment affects our lifestyle here and how cool and great it is, which I think everyone feels," said Evamy, the exhibition's curator.
Evamy, who is originally from England, was inspired by her former home's National Portrait Gallery, which hosts the prestigious annual BP Portrait Award exhibition. She visited the exhibition in July for the first time in years and was struck by its international flavour.
Artists from around the world went beyond merely recording a subject by highlighting its place and time, she said.
"I was really struck by the portraiture because it was really showing a reflection of a modern lifestyle on a global level. It seemed to have taken a leap from the old traditional recording status. It was more to do with what life is like these days," she said.
Evamy said the Face It! pieces should express what makes Squamish different, fascinating and challenging. All two-dimensional media are acceptable, including photos, drawings, painting, mixed media and collage.
Three-dimensional pieces will also be acceptable as long as it is mounted on a standard nine-inch by 12-inch wood or MDF panel in order to achieve a unified appearance with the other pieces.
Environmental elements can also be included as background, while both self portraits and representations of others are welcome.
Evamy said she imagines about 200 portraits filling the walls of the SAC building.
The Face It! Exhibition marks the start of an initiative to increase the number of artistic events since the building was renovated last year, according to SAC chair Krisztina Egyed. Although other visual art organizations have utilized the space, the umbrella organization has yet to host its own.
"We want to branch out and grow and start having some signature events of our own," said Egyed, adding that all local non-profit groups can use the space monthly for $75 per year.
Pieces for the Face It! exhibition must be submitted to the SAC building at O'Siem Pavilion Park by Oct. 29 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Participants are welcome to include a paragraph explaining the piece and choice of subject.
