SFAS has a new e-News format! This newsletter will be sent out on a quarterly basis to update subscribers on what’s exciting with SFAS, arts in our region, and even the world. Check our our latest update here.
Sooke Fine Arts Society Legacy Sculpture Installation (Shaw TV Feature)
Sooke Fine Arts Show – Student Art – 2019 Youth Art Gallery
Sooke Fine Arts Show 2016 (Shaw TV Feature)
Sooke Fine Arts Show 25th Anniversary Feature
To gain some insight into the Sooke Fine Arts Show’s long history, from its ambitious beginnings to the world-class exhibition it is today, take a look at this wonderful video produced by Lovett Pictures for the 25th-anniversary celebration in 2011. It truly takes a community!
Exhibit-V Coverage
Efren from Exhibit-V paid us a generous visit during out 2014 Artist Celebration, with sections of our awards ceremony, artist interviews and a virtual video tour of a sizable portion of the show!
Bringing the Show to Life
Bringing the show to life: four weeks of setting up compressed into six minutes, at the 2009 Sooke Fine Arts Show.
Show Take-down
“Disorder is easier to achieve than order.” – Three days of take-down in just one minute.
The Sooke Fine Arts Society respectfully acknowledges the traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke First Nation, upon whose land we gather in celebration of the arts.
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The 2020 game has closed. Please check back in July, 2021 for a whole new game!
The 2021 Gallery will open July 23 - please come back then!
Visit us July 23 through August 2, 2021 to view a whole new collection of world class Island art. For a sneak peek on July 22, buy Purchasers’ Preview tickets – click here.
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2021 Purchasers' Preview Tickets
Ticket Sales Open May 31!
The 2021 Show is free to view, but it kicks off with an exciting one-night only virtual Purchasers’ Preview event on Thursday, July 22, 7-10pm – which is an exclusive access event that allows the keenest of art lovers an advance preview of the 2021 artworks. Tickets for this one-night event are just $25, and can be purchased here on our website, as of May 31, 2021. Please come back then!
The Call for Submissions closed at midnight on May 25, 2021. The list of accepted artists will be posted on this website on June 11. Thanks to all artists who submitted!
Information sur les Droits D’auteur
Le SFAS supporte les droits des artistes et requiert que toutes les soumissions proviennent de créations originales de l’artiste. Il est de la responsabilité de l’artiste de se familiariser avec les lois de droits d’auteur et ainsi s’assurer de ne pas enfreindre les droits des autres artistes.
Droit D’auteur
Le droit d’auteur accorde certains droits exclusifs quant aux œuvres originales, à leur reproduction, ou la revente. Les droits d’auteur s’appliquent automatiquement quand une œuvre d’art est produite, ou prend forme physique.
Il est recommandé aux artistes de s’assurer que la production de leur art n’enfreigne d’aucune façon les limitations stipulées par les droits d’auteur. Voir les liens ci-dessous pour plus d’information.
Art Original
Les artistes sont encouragés à présenter des pièces qui représentent leur propre style et leur vision personnelle. Si une création s’inspire d’une œuvre d’un autre artiste ou utilise en partie l’œuvre d’un autre artiste, cela peut constituer une infraction au droit d’auteur, c’est pourquoi nous décourageons de telles soumissions. L’éligibilité est à la discrétion des juges et du comité du SFAS.
Utilisation de Photographies
Il est important de prendre note de la politique de la Fédération des Artistes Canadiens en regard de l’utilisation de photographies comme support de référence.
La Fédération dicte:
« L’utilisation de photos de référence pour la création de peintures est depuis longtemps acceptée, cependant l’utilisation de photos prisent par un photographe professionnel n’est pas permise, même avec la permission de ce dernier car les photos prisent par des professionnels sont considérées œuvres d’art en elles-mêmes. Les photos de référence doivent avoir été prises par l’artiste même ou fournies par un photographe amateur avec son consentement »
Le SFAS se réserve le droit de retirer toute œuvre qui ne respecte pas les lois de droit d’auteur ou les standards de l’exposition. Si vous demeurez incertain face à l’éligibilité d’une œuvre, nous vous suggérons d’envoyer un courriel à [email protected] le plus tôt possible pour approbation.
Artist FAQ
Will there be a live show in 2021?
After much consideration, it was decided in late February to proceed with a Virtual Show only in 2021. We are currently making improvements to our existing virtual show, and looking at ways in which we can introduce some exciting new features. Stay tuned!
Will there be a gift shop?
Due to inventory, storage, and shipping issues, we have unfortunately not been able to find a way within our framework to make a gallery gift shop work online. We wish we could! We miss it too ????.
We will be investigating other ways to help promote you & your work, so please stay tuned.
Will there be artist fees this year?
Yes, there will be $15 submission fee per piece, and $25 exhibition fee per accepted piece.
What is the commission fee for art sales?
The commission is 30% on all art sales.
How will art shipping be managed?
Shipping and delivery will be individually coordinated between SFAS, the artist, and a courier company, if long distance. For more information, please refer to the SFAS 2021 Exhibition Guidelines.
Will people able to vote on their favourite pieces?
Absolutely. Visitors to the show will be able to vote on their favourites, and the piece with the most votes will be awarded the People’s Choice Award.
I prefer my artwork to viewed live. How will a virtual show benefit me?
We understand that it is preferable to view art in person, and it’s important to us too! We absolutely plan to return to the live format in 2022, if health regulations allow. A virtual show allows us to keep supporting artists during this time by providing a venue for their artwork and exposure to a much wider audience.
In 2021, we are also investigating new features that will help visitors engage with your artwork in a new way.
Is this your new format now, or will you go back to a live show?
We are fully planning to return to our live format in 2022, if regulations permit.
Will I need to drop my piece off in Sooke at any point?
No. All jurying and award selection will occur online, and shipping of sold pieces will be arranged either from your home, or a hub in your area.
I usually pay my submission fee in person. Can I still do that this year?
We are not accepting in-person payments at this time, You can pay using one of the following methods: – via the submission system using PayPal (no account required) – over the phone (250-642-7256) using a credit card – by e-transfer to [email protected] – via mailed cash or cheque (Our mailing address is: PO Box 471, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1H4)
Does my piece need to be framed for submission?
2D and Photography pieces do not need to be framed for submission, and in fact it is preferred that the submission image be focussed on the art itself, without the frame, glass etc., so that the jurors can get the best view of your artistic skill.
However, if the final piece will be framed, then we ask that you include the final dimensions in the submission details.
If your artwork is accepted, we will be asking for additional images of the framed piece by July 2, which we will add to the website along with the main image, so that potential purchasers can get a sense of the completed piece. Some exceptions may apply.
How will image security for accepted works be handled?
We have a number of methods that we use to deter theft, including reducing image resolution and disabling certain quick-save functionality.
While watermarking is used by some sites, we, like many other online galleries, are of the opinion that the watermark interferes with the artistic integrity and salability of a piece.
While there is no absolute fool-proof way of stopping image theft, we believe the steps we have taken above will go a long way in preventing it.
Do I need to provide a Certificate of Authenticity with my submission?
No, a Certificate of Authenticity (especially for limited editions) is not required at the submission stage, but one will be expected upon registration if your piece is accepted into the show. A C-of-A will be required to accompany the purchased piece.
Can I submit a previously declined piece?
As long as the piece was completed within the 18 months prior to our Call to Artists, and has not been shown in any other major, juried shows on BC’s Coastal Islands, it can be submitted. Since our jury panel changes each year, a piece not accepted one year may very well be selected the following year.
Will the pictures be big enough to give jurors a good look at my work?
Yes, the jurors can magnify the images to see fine detail and texture. This is why we ask images be a minimum of 1500 pixels to preserve details in your work.
My work is not finished yet, but it will be. Can I upload images of the unfinished piece?
No. Work submitted for adjudication must be completed. We recommend finishing your piece before the Call to Artists ends.
Can I make changes to my submission after it has been accepted?
No changes will be accepted after May 25 , 2021.
Do you charge taxes on fees or sales?
All submission and exhibition fees include applicable taxes. Applicable taxes on artwork sold at the Sooke Fine Arts Show are added to the price set by the artist; the Sooke Fine Arts Society collects and remits these taxes on behalf of the artist. Taxes do not affect the commission.
Do I need to include taxes in my sale price?
No, you do not need to include tax in your price, as taxes are added on at the time of sale.
What is meant by the stipulation of a "major, juried art show”?
The stipulation of “Artwork must be completed in the last 18 months, and not have been shown locally in another major, juried art show on BC’s Coastal Islands” is designed to keep our show fresh, with works that have not been seen at other shows in our region, and to encourage artists to share new work.
The more we can present a diverse, unique show, the more we help promote the joy of art in our region.
The requirement specifies the combination of all three elements – major/juried/in BC’s Coastal Islands – for a piece to be ineligible to be shown in the Sooke Fine Arts Show.
Nearly there!
The Call for Submissions will open the morning of March 17, 2021. Please check back here then!
Stay Tuned!
A list of the 2021 Exhibiting Artists will be available here on June 11, 2021. Please check back here then!
Information on Copyright for the Artist
SFAS supports the rights of artists and requires that all submitted artwork be the originalcreation of the submitting artist. It is incumbent on all artists to familiarize themselves with Canadian copyright laws to ensure that they are not infringing on another artist’s rights.
Copyright Law
Copyright law gives artists certain exclusive rights to their own original work, and the reproduction or resale of that work. Copyright arises automatically when an artistic work is fixed in a material form.
It is advised that all artists ensure that their work does not breach any copyright. See the links below for further reading.
Original Art
Artists are encouraged to submit artworks that reflect their own original, personal vision and style. If an artwork is recognizably based on the work of another artist, or uses a part of another artist’s artwork as a creative base, it may be subject to copyright infringement. Such works are discouraged for submission to a juried art show and sale. Eligibility of any artwork is up to the discretion of the jurors and the SFAS adjudication committee.
Using Photographs as Source Material
It is important to note that there have been recent policy changes within the Federation of Canadian Artists with regards to using photographs as reference. SFAS supports the following statement:
“While using photos as reference for painting is a long held accepted practice, making substantive use of stock imagery or photos taken by professional photographers is not permissible, even with their permission. Photographs by professional photographers are considered artworks in and of themselves. Reference photos must be taken by the artist themselves or provided to them by an amateur photographer with their express consent. Stock images may only be referred to for anatomical study and must be incidental to the completed artwork to be permissible.”
The Sooke Fine Arts Society retains the right to remove any artwork from adjudication that may contravene copyright laws or show standards.
If you are still unsure whether or not your work would be eligible, you can email the SFAS office at [email protected], however we ask that you please do so well in advance of the submission deadline (midnight, May 25, 2021).
The 2021 guidelines will be released soon. Please check back again.
History of the Sooke Fine Arts Show
The Sooke Fine Arts Show stems from humble beginnings when the Sooke Region Museum featured work from local artists in their upper gallery. In 1986, spurred by the buzz of the year’s Expo, a committee of five artists conceived the idea of a show to bring attention to art and artists of the region. The inaugural SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW was born.
The show was a spectacular success, and under the admirable coordination of Elida Peers, the sponsorship of the Sooke Region Museum, the Sooke Region Historical Society, and teams of hard-working volunteers, it flourished and grew each year. In 2006, coordination of the show moved from the hands of the Sooke Region Museum and into the newly-formed Sooke Fine Arts Society.
That first show displayed 200 pieces from 49 artists in SEAPARC’s ice arena and eventually grew to fill the entire 16,000 square foot space, transforming it into the world-class exhibition that you see today. Today, the show features on average 375 pieces from approximately 260 artists from all over Vancouver Island and BC’s coastal islands, with prizes totaling over $12,000. It is now so much more than a gallery, housing a stage with live music and youth performances, artist demonstrations, a large gift shop, and a separate youth art gallery, expanding the exhibition beyond the main arena.
The Sooke Fine Arts Society is grateful for the efforts of all the previous organizers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and friends that have made the show the success that it is today.
The Gallery is now closed. Thanks for visiting!
The Sooke Fine Arts Show has closed for the season. Visit us next year from July 23 through August 2, 2021 to view a whole new collection of world class Island art.
Books Mentioned in This Talk
Mona Brooks
“Drawing with Children: A creative teachings and learning method that works for adults too”, 1986 and revised edition 1996
“Drawing With Older Children and Teens”, 1991
Virginia Cobb
“Discovering The Inner Eye”, 1988
Shawn McNiff
“Trust The Process An Artist’s Guide To Letting Go”, 1998
“Imagination In Action Secrets For Unleashing Creative Expression”, 2015
“Art Heals. How Creativity Cures The Soul”, 2004
Maxine Masterfield
“Painting The Spirit Of Nature”, 1996
“In Harmony with Nature”, 1990
Heather Spears
“The Creative Eye: Drawing, vision and the brain, revisited”, 2020
GENERAL SHOW INFORMATION
About the Virtual Show
The 2020 Virtual Sooke Fine Show includes 373 pieces of unique island art for purchase online, along with a youth art gallery, live events, links to artist demonstrations & live talks, music links, activity pages for kids, an online auction – i.e; most of the usual elements of the physical Sooke Fine Arts Show, in a virtual format. The live events, auction, and People’s Choice voting system close when the show closes August 3, 2020. However, the art will be available for sale on the website until September 30 to provide added exposure for the artists in this difficult year. All other static elements – the recorded demonstrations & talks, music, the youth art gallery, kids pages will also remain online until we begin preparations for next year’s show – our 35th anniversary – when we mount an entirely new, exciting display of world-class island art.
Purchasers’ Preview Evening
Purchasers with special access can browse the site from 7pm onward on July 23. Access to the site continues until the show opens to the public at 9:00am on July 24th, but the office closes at 10pm on Thursday, so representatives will no longer be available to assist after that time. Access pass holders can continue to browse and purchase items after hours. If an item is purchased, a representative will get back to the purchaser in the following days. Please Note: Holds are not permitted during the Purchasers’ Preview event.
Purchasing an Artwork
When you purchase an item and complete the checkout process, you will receive notification that the order is being processed. As soon as you receive this notification, the artwork is yours – congratulations! At that point the item will be marked online as Sold. An SFAS representative will get back to you to coordinate delivery of the item. Please do not be concerned if you do not hear from a representative right away – they are likely dealing with other purchases, and will get to yours in due course. Thank you for your patience.
Holds on Artwork
Holds are accepted during the show period (except during Purchasers’ Preview) but are limited to one hold per person at a time for a length of four hours during show times. Credit card information will be required as a guarantee to hold the art piece. To put an item on hold, please contact the office office via the chat icon below or phone 250-642-7256. Wait lists will be established for pieces designated as on hold.
Shipping Information
Shipping will be handled after each sale, on a case-by-case basis. A number of shipping and delivery options will be discussed, depending on the addresses of both the purchaser and artist, and the availability of the artist to deliver or receive visitors at their studio/home. Once a sale has been processed, a representative will contact you to manage the arrangements.
Most of the images of the artwork on this site are have reduced resolution in order to provide image security for the artist’s work. If an image appears less crisp, it should not be taken as a true representation of the artwork. Please feel free to contact us if more information is required.
Contact Us
There are several ways to reach us if you have a question: Chat – click on the chat icon bottom, right corner of any of our webpages Email – [email protected] Phone – 250-642-7256
Office Hours
Sooke Fine Arts office representatives will be available to assist during the following hours:
July 23 (Purchasers’ Preview event): 7-10pm
During the Show (July 24 – August 3): 10am – 5pm (Mon-Sun)
After the Show (August 4 – Sept 30): 10am – 5pm (Mon-Fri)
Any sales or queries outside those hours will be dealt with the next business day.
The 2020 Award-winners will be announced on July 25th at 2pm at the Artist Celebration live-streamed event.See event info.
You can vote for your favourite piece!
Click on the Vote tab to cast your vote within the detail page for a particular piece..
The piece with the most votes by the end of the show (August 3 @ 5pm) will be awarded this year’s People’s Choice Award.
The winner will be announced after August 7.
Thanks for voting!
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Keep mouse off-screen to play, hover over to pause, click to view an artwork
Information on Copyright & Derivative for the Artist
SFAS supports the rights of artists and requires that all submitted artwork be the originalcreation of the submitting artist. It is incumbent on all artists to familiarize themselves with copyright laws and the concepts of derivative and transformative art to ensure that they are not infringing on another artist’s rights.
Copyright Laws
Copyright law gives artists certain exclusive rights to their own original work, and the reproduction or resale of that work. Copyright arises automatically when an artistic work is fixed in a material form.
It is advised that all artists ensure that their work does not breach any copyright. See the links below for further reading.
Derivative Art
“Derivative” refers to work that is based upon one or more preexisting works by another artist, and can include the use of source material as a creative base. Derivative work is not permissible (unless it can be considered “transformative” – see next section & links below). The nature of derivative work is very subjective, and eligibility is up to the discretion of the jurors and the SFAS adjudication committee.
Using Photographs
It is important to note that there have been recent policy changes within the Federation of Canadian Artists with regards to using photographs as reference. SFAS supports the following statement:
“While using photos as reference for painting is a long held accepted practice, making substantive use of stock imagery or photos taken by professional photographers is not permissible, even with their permission. Photographs by professional photographers are considered artworks in and of themselves. Reference photos must be taken by the artist themselves or provided to them by an amateur photographer with their express consent. Stock images may only be referred to for anatomical study and must be incidental to the completed artwork to be permissible.”
– FCA Policy, section 7.1.5
Transformative Art
There are some cases in which art that has been derived from another’s work can be considered “transformative” – demonstrating a significant creative departure from the original (i.e: new expression, meaning or message), and creating an altogether new work of art. The nature of transformative work is very subjective, and eligibility is up to the discretion of the jurors and the SFAS adjudication committee.
The Sooke Fine Arts Society retains the right to remove any artwork from adjudication that may contravene copyright laws or show standards.
If you are still unsure whether or not your work would be eligible, you can email the SFAS office at [email protected], however we ask that you please do so well in advance of the submission deadline (midnight, June 1, 2020).
Chat – click on the chat icon bottom, right corner of any of our webpages
Email – 
Phone – 250-642-7256