ASSINIBOIA — The voting for the metal art pieces on display at the Shurniak Art Gallery has been open for a few months and it has been revealed Greg Sheldon’s “Hooterson” has earned the SAG People's Choice Award.
May 31 was the final day for voting. A gathering of the artists and prize announcements took place Saturday afternoon. Before the judges' choice was revealed, the artisans took time to enjoy each other’s creative pieces.
Anyone who came to the gallery to view the art and to vote became part of the judge’s panel. In total, 280 ballots were cast.
Jarred Williams led the program in the Bexhill Room, mentioning the positives this art show brought and announcing that the success of the first metal art contest has created an annual competition. Along with that announcement, he revealed the public’s choice for favourite creation.
Williams presented the Shurniak Art Gallery (SAG) Award to Sheldon, which itself was a metal artwork, built by Dan Samoisette, of the pillars and arched roof one sees when entering the gallery. That award will stay at the Shurniak on display.
Another award resembling a miniature robot, built by Williams, was also presented to Sheldon, which he will have in his possession for the year until next year’s competitive metalworks. At that time, it will be presented to the next award winner.
First, second and third choice secondary prizes were chosen by summer student, Adit Desai. These prizes consisted of gift certificates for banana splits at Frosty Foods. First place went to “Sailing Ship,” built by Wayne Baron of Gravelbourg. Second place was given to “Hooterson and third place went to “Medieval Castle Chess Board,” built by Dan Samoisette of Mazenod.
