If youB次元官网网址檙e looking to see some of the best artistic talent in this city, plus love the thrill of a juried competition, then youB次元官网网址檒l be happy to know that the much-loved exhibition, ART VICTORIA NOW! is back.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e really excited because we havenB次元官网网址檛 done this show in about six years,B次元官网网址� said Kegan McFadden, executive director of Victoria Arts Council, organizers of the juried exhibition.

The last ART VICTORIA NOW! show was in 2018 and was put on pause when the Victoria Arts Council opened up a new gallery.

B次元官网网址淚 think that was the fifth year running. ItB次元官网网址檚 really, really popular,B次元官网网址� McFadden said.

The exhibit runs from May 11-31 at The Bay Centre (lower level) and culminates in an awards ceremony and community celebration on Saturday, May 25 from 2-5 p.m. ItB次元官网网址檚 all about recognizing the best in local art with awards; only 50 talented artists are selected to exhibit by the jury. The assessors look for skillfully executed and unique creations in various mediums.

While McFadden said theyB次元官网网址檙e hearing from artists theyB次元官网网址檝e worked with in the past, the emphasis for the show is really on whatB次元官网网址檚 new.

B次元官网网址淭he whole point of the show is talking about whatB次元官网网址檚 happening now,B次元官网网址� McFadden added. B次元官网网址淚 think whatB次元官网网址檚 so exciting about ART VICTORIA NOW! is that itB次元官网网址檚 happening really fast. You can make a painting this month and show it next month. And that is almost unheard of in the art world. Usually it takes so long to get an exhibition and to find a gallery that will show your work so the Victoria Arts Council is really trying to work with artists in the community to support them. And thatB次元官网网址檚 an exciting thing for the audience as well.B次元官网网址�

The showB次元官网网址檚 three external assessors are big names in the local community: Rick Leong, a professional artist and professor of fine arts at UVic, Sue Donaldson, an independent curator and retired BC Arts Council Officer, and Joe Bembridge, the owner of Gallery Merrick.

B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 really exciting for local artists to have the opportunity to show their work to someone that could sell it in the future,B次元官网网址� McFadden said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a big opportunity for people.B次元官网网址�

The deadline to apply for artists is April 30. Artists ages 11 and up are encouraged to apply.

And for those who plan to attend the exhibit, who knows? Maybe youB次元官网网址檒l see the next big household name at the start of their career.