Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ annual Spring Members’ Show is celebrating 31 years of showcasing the creative talents of its members.

This weekend, the show highlights the work completed by its members within the past year. Over 100 members participate in this three-day gala exhibition, which features everything from paintings to sculptures, pottery to jewelry, glass to furniture and much more.

Throughout the year, Muskoka Arts & Crafts hosts a variety of exhibits that are beautifully mounted and thoughtfully orchestrated in response to specific themes.

“More than any other event organized by MAC, I always look forward to the annual Spring Members’ Show,” remarked Sara Hall, the president for Muskoka Arts & Crafts. “This show, more than any other exhibits the diversity and talent that lies within our membership. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with people that you may not have seen for a while and to be introduced to the work of new members. For artists at the beginning of their careers, this show is often their first opportunity to display their work publicly. I know it was for me when I joined Muskoka Arts & Crafts six years ago.”

The festivities begin on Friday, April 18 when the doors open at 7 p.m. for the opening reception and awards presentation. The results of the all-day deliberations by judges John Leonard and Don Stuart are announced and the awards are presented in acknowledgement of the outstanding artistry of the membership.

As one of Canada’s leading gold/silversmiths, Don Stuart has earned an international reputation for his exquisite work in jewelry and holloware. During his celebrated career, Stuart has received over 30 significant awards and is constantly in demand to give lectures and workshops across North America and beyond. Stuart graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1967 and in 1981, he received a Masters of Fine Arts from the School for American Crafts, Rochester, New York. He joined the Design Arts faculty at the Barrie Campus of Georgian College in 1972 where he launched the unique jewelry and metals program. It continues to be the only college jewelry program in North America to incorporate co-operative education in its curriculum.

In 1990, Georgian College awarded him the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching and upon retiring from full-time teaching in September 2001, he was further honoured by being made the College’s first Professor Emeritus. In addition, for over 30 years Stuart has been an active volunteer serving as a director of various arts organizations including: Ontario Crafts Council, Canadian Crafts Council, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts; and Society of North American Goldsmiths. In October 2002, Stuart was awarded Canada’s highest honour, the Order of Canada in recognition of his illustrious career as a craftsman and educator.

John Leonard is a talented Toronto-based painter. He is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design and a member of the Royal Canadian Academy. Leonard has taught at many of Ontario’s universities and art schools including OCAD, University of Toronto, York University, Haliburton Highlands School of Fine Arts and others. He has been in more than 350 exhibitions, most recently at public galleries in Toronto, Lindsay and Whitby, as well as internationally in Spain, France, Portugal, Holland, Brazil and the United States.

Leonard’s work is held in over 40 public gallery and corporate collections including the National Gallery, Ontario Arts Council, Ministry of Culture and Recreation, Art Gallery of Algoma, Art Gallery of Sarnia, Art Gallery of Lindsay, The Station Gallery (Whitby), CBS Records - New York and Canada Development Corp.

On the professional consideration of Stuart and Leonard, 10 cash awards and many awards of excellence will be given out during the opening reception.

The Ruth Upjohn Memorial Award for Best in Show comes with a cash value of $300. A lifetime member of Muskoka Arts & Crafts, the late Ruth Upjohn was a devoted patron and ambassador for the arts in Muskoka. Her lifelong support of the arts did not end with her death as a bequest from her estate was donated to Muskoka Arts & Crafts.

The Muskoka Heritage Foundation, a $250 award, is given as an acknowledgement of the role the arts play in recognizing, promoting and preserving the environment of Muskoka. This year’s theme is Muskoka’s wetlands.

Michelle Hallam, the owner of Silver Bridge Gallery in Bracebridge is the patron for the Silver Bridge Award for Best Use of Media, which is accompanied by a cheque for $200.

“I’m proud to be a longtime member of Muskoka Arts & Crafts and wanted to give something back to the organization and arts community,” remarked Hallam. “I couldn’t think of a better way than to sponsor an award for best use of media at the Spring Members’ Show.”

The $75 anonymously sponsored Muskoka Wilderness Photograph Award will be given to the photographic image that best captures the importance of our region’s conservation. In order to be considered, the piece must feature one of the protected areas of Muskoka, such as a national or provincial park, a nature reserve or a watershed.

During the opening reception, the popular group Moonglow will provide the toe-tapping musical entertainment.

Saturday and Sunday provides an opportunity for the public to meet and see artists at work. Throughout the day, members set up mini studios to demonstrate their creative techniques and answers questions. It’s a terrific opportunity for people to learn more about the creative process from the members.

For the many visitors who come to see Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ Spring Members’ Show, it provides an artistic snapshot of the organization.

Show hours are Friday, April 18 from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. The 31st Annual Spring Members’ Show is held in the auditorium room at Bracebridge, 110 Clearbrook Trail.

For more information, call Muskoka Arts & Crafts at (705) 645-5501 or on the Internet at www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com.