Arts Council of Surrey presents the 28th juried exhibition celebrating the diverse artistic talents of established and emerging visual artists. On exhibit at the Surrey Art Gallery, ARTS 2012 features more than fifty works by artists from Surrey and the surrounding region. Traditional imagery is juxtaposed with contemporary and experimental works. Media include painting, glasswork, sculpture, photography, and fibre arts. With a broad range of styles and themes included, this annual exhibition is popular with local visitors, who are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award that will be announced at the close of the exhibition.
 
ARTS 2012 launches on June 23 with an opening reception from 2pm to 4pm to which everyone is invited, and continues to August 18. The opening reception includes formal remarks and the presentation of awards beginning at 2:15pm. Admission to the opening reception is free. Admission to the exhibition is by donation.
 
This annual juried exhibition generates awareness of local artists’ work, and plays an important role in emerging artists’ professional development. The exhibition’s jury was charged with nominating artworks to receive first, second, third, and honourable mention awards in the categories of Painting: Works on Canvas; Painting: Works on Paper; Drawing, 2-D Mixed Media & Printmaking; 3-D Works & Fibre Arts; and Photography & New Media. Works were selected for their technical skill, and innovative artistic thinking. ARTS 2012 is presented with the assistance of the Surrey Art Gallery.
 
Concurrent to ARTS 2012, Surrey Art Gallery is presenting Emergent; Audio Migrations (2012) by Alex Grunenfelder, part of Open Sound 2012: On Air, Underground – Making the Inaudible Audible, guest curated by Ross Birdwise; and Water, Colours, Inspiration!