The Steveston Grand Prix of Art 2011 top prize winner is Kerry Erickson with the People’s Choice awarded to Stephen Chen and top youth award to Shirley Lui

Artist registered at Britannia Heritage Shipyards at 9:00am Saturday September 17th under a very ominous looking sky.  After registration artist conjugated for the location lottery to find out where they would be painting. In the pouring rain artist scurried off to their selected location where they spent the next 3 hours observing, composing and painting their interpretation of this magnificent location. Struggling against the clock, changing weather and light conditions these courageous artists battled to complete their Plien Air painting before the Gulf o Georgia’s shift whistle signaled the end of a very stiff competition.  After only three short hours all 65 painters returned with their works of art to Britannia Heritage shipyard to present the paintings for display and adjudication.  In contrast to how the day started for these iron painters the sun was now on full display, drenching the celebration with her full warmth and glory; artist could now take a deep breath, enjoy the amazing food, music and compare competition challenges with their fellow artists. It was not long before the event sponsor and organizer Mark Glavina proprietor of Phoenix Art Workshop was presenting the hardware to the top artists in this years competition.

This years top Prize was awarded to Kerry Erickson $500 awarded by our Steveston Community Coast Capital Savings

2nd place Michael Abraham $250 presented by Phoenix Art Workshop

3rd place Larry Tiller $175 presented by Phoenix Art Workshop

Honourable Mention: Jim McFarland (Victoria)

1st place Youth: Shirley Lui Presented by Richmond Artist Guild

2nd Place Kitty Man presented by Phoenix Art Workshop

3rd Place Emma Sun presented by Phoenix Art Workshop

Honourable Mention: Roena Ong

People’s Choice Award: Stephen Shaoqin Chen Presented by Phoenix Art Workshop

Several participation awards were presented, donated by the Steveston  business community including, Sockeye City Grill, Pajo’s Fish and Chips, Peices gift shop, the Spotted Frog, Prickley Pear Garden Centre, Heringers, and Phoenix Art Workshop the event co-ordinator.

Last years winner Dan Gray was presented with a plaque in honour of rebranding the top prize hardware as the Phoenix Art Workshop “Gray Cup” which will remain in the good care of this years top artist Kerry Erickson.

Congratulation to all artist volunteers and a special thanks to our community and location Partners.