Shortlist Announced for Open Studio National Printmaking Awards
Best of Canadian Printmakers to be Celebrated at Open Studio¹s 100 Prints
 
Toronto, ON ­ April 11, 2011 ­ On Wednesday, May 18, six talented Canadian
artists will be recognized for their achievements in printmaking during the
fourth annual Open Studio National Printmaking Awards.  The ceremony will
take place at the Palais Royale in Toronto, at 100 Prints, a fundraising
event in support of Open Studio.

A distinguished jury selected the shortlist from prints that have been
donated to Open Studio by emerging and established artists from across
Canada.  The jury members, who had the difficult job of choosing the award
winners were: Robert Birch, founding director of Birch Libralato (formerly
Robert Birch Gallery); Toronto-based artist Dax Morrison; and Melony Ward,
publisher of Canadian Art magazine and online properties.
 
The artists shortlisted for the Open Studio National Printmaking Awards are:
* Susan Collett (Toronto, ON)
* Tara Cooper (Toronto, ON)
* Rocky Zenyk Dobey (Toronto, ON)
* Erik Edson (Sackville, NB)
* Laine Groeneweg  (Toronto, ON)
* Libby Hague (Toronto, ON)

Said Melony Ward, ³As a juror, it was a treat to spend the day with 100
incredible works of art. Printmaking continues to thrive through Open
Studio.²  Dax Morrison commented: ³In this age of the digital, it's
refreshing and delightful to experience prints produced by hand.  To be able
to spend a full day surrounded by such works was an honour. Hopefully, those
attending 100 Prints will also experience the thrill of seeing and owning
works that are truly inspiring.²

"It was a great pleasure to participate on the Open Studio National
Printmaking Awards jury this year,² said Robert Birch. ³The entries were
many and the quality of work was, frankly, higher than expected, making the
decision much more challenging than anticipated.  Congratulations to Open
Studio and all the participating artists for their hard work in preparing
for such a strong competition.²  All six artists have a chance at winning
one of three cash prizes of $3,000 (first prize), $1,500 (second prize) or
$500 (third prize) or an honourable mention.
 
100 Prints
Open Studio, a not-for-profit centre for contemporary printmaking practice,
provides affordable access to printmaking facilities, programs and services
for artists from across Canada and abroad, as well as exhibitions, education
programs and print sales.  Celebrating the 26th anniversary of the event
this year, 100 Prints is Open Studio¹s most important fundraising activity,
and helps to support this artist-run centre¹s vital artistic programming.
The event features 100 original prints donated by nationally and
internationally recognized Canadian artists, and because only 100 tickets
are sold, each ticket holder is guaranteed to take home an original fine art
print. Tickets are drawn in random order on the evening of the event, which
creates an air of anticipation; as each ticket is drawn, excited guests have
one minute to choose a print.

This year¹s 100 Prints promises to be the best 100 Prints yet‹and one of the
best art events of the year.  The festive night also includes fabulous
prizes, a raffle, delicious hors d¹oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction
of framed prints specially created by Open Studio artists for this
fundraising event. Tickets are now available‹the $375 ticket price includes
admission for two and a guarantee that you will take home an original piece
of original artwork with a minimum value of $375.  As tickets to the event
are limited to 100, they will sell out fast, and are nearly 50% sold
already. General admission tickets are also available for $50. For full
details and event ticket information, visit the 100 Prints microsite.

For further information, images or interviews, please contact Sara Kelly at
416-504-8238 or sara@openstudio.on.ca.
 
To date, 100 Prints 2011 is supported by the following sponsors and donors:

Media Sponsor
Canadian Art 

Printing Sponsor
FLASH Reproductions


Gold Sponsors
BMO Capital Markets
Allison and Jason Chang
Dundee Real Estate Asset Management
TD Securities 

Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Avenue Dental
Akau Framing
Dr. Martin Bourgeois
Cassels Brock
Dr. Bruce Freeman GRI Capital
Implant Surgical Care/Lesley David Dentistry Corporation
Benjy Katz
Dr. Robert Klein
Rosenthal Zaretsky Niman and Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants
Royal York Orthodontic
Yorkville Toronto Dental Specialist

Event Donors: All the Best Fine Foods, Asha Massage & Ayurvedic Healing,
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Beer Barons, Dr. Marco Caminiti, Canadian
Opera Company, Canadian Stage, George and Sandy Duarte at Churrasco Villa,
CJ Lunch Box, Robbie Cooper, Dufflet Pastries, Eclipse Fitness Clubs, Evian,
Fairmount Royal York, Jeremy Gawen, Hästens, Interior Design Show, The
Japanese Paper Place, Ted Margel, Mirvish Productions, Moksha Yoga Danforth,
The National Ballet, Nutcracker Sweet, Overcat Communications, Oyster Boy,
Palmer Reed Accountants, The Paper Place, Pilates for Life, Porter Airlines,
Saman Design, Samuel Kleinberg Jewellers Inc., Segall Cosmetic Clinic,
Stratford Festival, Penelope Stewart, Tarragon Theatre, Dr. Howard
Tenenbaum, TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd., Timothy Johnson Design,
Toronto School of Art, Umbra, Up In Frames, Variety Crossing Press, Gayle
Wagman & Marc Milgrom, Winners and Your Brand Integrated Marketing
Communications. 
 
Open Studio gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for
the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto through the
Toronto Arts Council.  Open Studio also acknowledges the generous support of
its members and numerous foundations, corporations and individuals.

--
Sara Kelly
Associate Director 

Open Studio
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 104
Toronto ON  M5V 3A8
T/F: 416-504-8238
E: sara@openstudio.on.ca
W: http://www.openstudio.on.ca