Our area is well represented in the touring portion of the Central Region Juried Art Exhibition. Several local artists were selected to have their work on display in various communities, following the exhibition in Carman over the weekend. One of those artists was Pat Crandell, who's thread-painted piece was selected as one of the 45-50 works to be a part of the tour.

"It's wonderful to have it selected. It's a little bit different, we call it thread painting. It's done with a sewing machine but you drop the feed dog, so you've got full control and you actually move the fabric under the machine while the needle does the stitching." 

Pat Crandell

While it's Crandell's second piece to be selected for the CRJAE, a MacGregor area artist had her first submission chose as well. Janice Unger's work is inspired by her ATV rides with her husband, and says she's excited to have her first submission to the judges recognized.

"This was a leap of faith actually. I've never put myself out there, and look, I'm chosen. This is just awesome. I'm elated. Before, I was terrified, it was a lot of work getting that here."

Newton's Ilene Yanchuk's pieces focused on memories from her childhood. She says while she didn't expect to be selected, it was thrilling to now have her piece set to tour the region.

"I didn't think anything would be selected. I just wanted to try and see. When I found out I was excited. It's exciting because it makes it all worth while. I love doing it."

While over a hundred pieces are submitted each year, only between 45 and 50 are chosen by the judges to be a part of the tour. Alexander El was one of the jurors to make the tough decision this year, and he notes it was his second time serving as a judge.

"I came back this year. It's a real pleasure and it's an interesting, challenging, and challenging experience."

Portage artist, and marketing and events coordinator for the Portage and District Arts Centre Lee Beaton was also at the event, bringing greetings while representing the region for the Manitoba Arts Network. She says it was a great event, especially for those artists looking to get their name out there.

"It's just a phenomenal event and it's great to be there and get out there. If you're looking to build you portfolio as an artist or to be part of something, this is definitely another exhibition that you can say you were a part of."

The selected pieces will now be a part of the touring exhibition, which will be on display around the region this summer.