More than forty years ago, Jim Weir perceived the need for developing the arts in the community of Weyburn. He went to City Hall and presented an idea for forming a council of the arts, thus founding the Weyburn Arts Council (WAC), which was the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.
Some years later, WAC established the James Weir Peoples' Choice exhibition. Weir subsequently gave the Arts Council a sum of money to provide a small prize to the winner of the annual competition.
Emerging artists of Weyburn and area are able to display their works, have the people choose their favourite artwork and the winners are given personalized plaques. Their names are engraved on the James Weir Peoples' Choice trophy.
This popular annual exhibition is held every January and is currently on display in the Allie Griffin Art Gallery, located on the lower level of the Weyburn Public Library at 45 Bison Avenue.
The emerging artists exhibiting this year include: Terry Creurer, Don Hansen, Jaynie Himsl, Kathleen Trithart, Lyn Johnson, Doris Anderson, Barry Lautner, Marna McManus, Michaela Sidloski, Rita Luhtala, Jean Fahlman, Bill Caird, Tina Hudson, Colette Horack, Shelly Babiarz, Gary Cooney, Tara Keating-Jaap, Max Himsl, Donn Morton, Boyd Kilbreath, Erna Murray, Jennifer Mang, Bev Sobush-Melby, Shelley Van De Sype, Jennifer LaCharite and Eileen Johnson.
This exhibition is sponsored by the Weyburn Arts Council, SouthEast Connections and Saskatchewan Lotteries.
There is a huge variety on display, including wood carving, copper work, metal work, paintings, fibre art, stained pencil drawings, different kinds of paintings, watercolour, oil and acrylic and jewellery, by both known and unknown local artists. There are many artists that people will recognize and a few that are new to the 29th annual exhibition.
There are 26 entries in this years' exhibit.
