MUSKOKA - Algonquin Park continues to inspire artists from across the province.
The East Central Ontario Art Association’s 20th annual Mystery of the Park fine art exhibition and sale has made its way to the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre. The show runs from now until Monday, Oct. 29.
Event co-organizer Carole Rudderham said the association includes artists from a vast part of Ontario and has 400 members. More than 100 paintings will be on display accompanied by biographies of the artists.
Several artists from Muskoka are participating, said Rudderham. She placed third in last year’s show.
The park, including its landscapes, flora, fauna and buildings, is the inspiration for all of the work. Each piece is an original work that has not previously been displayed in an association show.
Twenty-five per cent of any sales are taken as a commission and given to the Friends of Algonquin Park. The association is also giving $500 to the Friends of Algonquin Park in honour of the 20-year anniversary.
The first juried Mystery of the Park exhibition was held in 1993. That same year the visitor centre was newly opened to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the park, which was founded in 1893.
The visitor centre is located at kilometre 43 of Highway 60.
According to the Friends of Algonquin Park, the centre’s Algonquin Room hosts six exhibitions of Algonquin-themed art by area artists each year. The art is available for sale and a portion of each sale is dedicated to the Friends to enhance the educational and interpretive programs in the park.
Admission to the show is included in a park day-use permit, which costs $16. For more information visit www.algonquinpark.on.ca.