Beaverbrook Art Gallery to host Kingston Prize exhibition.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery to host new exhibition opening reception Nov 14, 2015.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is proud to host the 2015 Kingston Prize exhibition, showcasing the thirty jury-selected finalists of this national portraiture competition showcasing portraits of Canadians, by Canadians. To add to the festivities, the winners and runners-up will also be announced at the opening. The public is cordially invited to attend the opening reception at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Saturday, November 14 at 5 p.m.

Launched in 2005, the Kingston Prize is dedicated to supporting Canadian portrait artists. According to the organizers, “The aim of The Kingston Prize is to encourage and reward the creation of contemporary portraits by Canadian artists, to promote Canadian artists through competition, and over time to develop an historical record of Canadians, by Canadians. Each exhibition becomes a fascinating snapshot of a cross-section of Canadian life. The exhibition gives much needed public exposure to talented Canadian artists, while at the same time sparking interest, conversation and inspiration in the visitors attending the exhibitions.”

The winner, selected by the jury comprised of Stephanie Dickey (Kingston), Tom Smart (Toronto) and Glenn Priestley (Fredericton), will be announced at the opening reception on November 14, and will receive the $20,000 Kingston Prize, provided through a generous donation from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation. Two jury-selected runners-up will also be announced. The public will also play a role, with each visitor receiving a ballot to vote for their favorite at each venue; the winners will be awarded the People’s Choice Prize.

The Kingston Prize 2015 exhibition runs November 14 through January 17, and is supported by the W. Garfield Weston Foundation. Admission is free for Beaverbrook Art Gallery members and for children age six and under.