Studio Arts alumna wins emerging artist prize
On October 16, 2013, Amélie Proulx, BFA (Studio Arts) 06, was awarded the 2013 RBC Emerging Artist Peoples Choice Award.
Taking home a prize of $10,000, Proulx was thrilled to be announced as the winner of the 3rd Annual RBC Emerging Artist People's Choice Award. Like much of her work, her piece, entitled Jardinet Mécanique explores objects and environments inspired by the natural world that merge with architectural environments to reopen our perception of natural phenomena. The piece incorporates the use of porcelain, glaze, steel, springs, motors, microcontroller and an electronic circuit.
Amélie Proulx: Jardinet Mécanique
Besides Proulx the other four outstanding contending Canadian artists nominated were: Robin DuPont, Michael Flaherty, Monica Mercedes Martinez and Linda Sormin.
"We are very excited to be the channel that helps bring these talented emerging artists to the forefront, and thrilled to see that so many people voted and took the opportunity to comment on the artist of their choice on our website," said Rachel Gotlieb, Interim Executive Director & Chief Curator of the Gardiner Museum.
"We are grateful to RBC for sponsoring the Emerging Artist People's Choice Award. It is a huge boost to raising the profile of ceramic art, as well the five individual ceramists from across the country to the general public. The Gardiner Museum congratulates Amélie Proulx on winning this important prize. Her masterful installation work empowers ceramics with a new sense of agency and design," Gotlieb added.
The RBC Emerging Artist People's Choice Award provides each nominated artist with an opportunity to showcase their work at the Museum. To be eligible, participating artists must have been Canadian citizens or permanent residents, out of school and practicing for at least three years; no more than 10 years. They also must have participated in at least one exhibition at a recognized gallery, museum or other arts organization.
Each year the Gardiner Museum appoints a nominating committee comprised of five artists, educators, art critics, and/or curators from different regions across Canada and invites them to each nominate an artist. The finalist is chosen by visitors to the Gardiner Museum or to its website.