OSA: 2023 Emerging Artists Juried Exhibition

The Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) is delighted to showcase the 2023 Emerging Artists Juried Exhibition at the John B. Aird Gallery.

At the OSA, emerging indicates experience, not age. To qualify for this biennial exhibit, emerging artists must have no more than 5 years of experience as professional artists.

There was no set theme for the show. This exhibition exists to celebrate and promote outstanding emerging Canadian visual art and artists. Some of the participants are just beginning their art careers. Others have come to art as a 2nd or maybe even 3rd career. One positive outcome from the pandemic was how many people turned to art as a way to deal with and heal from its intrusion into our world.

Jurors Jodi Wheeler, a mixed-media artist and the owner and founder of Toronto-based Blue Crow Gallery, and Mark J. Gleberzon, former gallery owner, who now balances his time working for Waddington’s Auctioneers and Appraisers while continuing his own art practice, viewed about 300 pieces from a wide range of artists. From that, they selected 4 artists for the top awards.

Each artist provided us with some thoughts about their work. Many of the works are for sale. We encourage viewers to read about the artists and their work. If you like what you see, never hesitate to ask an artist about creating a commissioned piece!

AWARD WINNERS

Best in Show
DANIELLE VINCENT

Awards of Excellence
MELISSA REMPEL
REBECCA DAGGETT
LINDSAY LIBOIRON

Founded in 1872, the Ontario Society of Artists is Canada’s longest-continuing art society. For 150 years now, the OSA has featured the work of hundreds of fine artists, many of whom have been and continue to be the cornerstones of Canada’s art world. This is your opportunity to see them as they emerge, and hit the ground running!