The first annual “Canvas Pontiac” Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, September 19, in downtown Pontiac in the Grand Ballroom of the 30 North Saginaw Building. Earlier in the summer the DIA held its “Inside/Out” display of fine art in Pontiac and this inspired the Pontiac Downtown Business Association (PDBA) to build on this success and host its own Canvas Pontiac, a series of programs designed to bring art back to downtown Pontiac. Numerous local artists participated and their submissions were placed on canvases adorning the sides of buildings throughout downtown for several weeks. Along with the art/photographic competition, there were also banner, poster and t-shirt contests.

The awards ceremony was the culmination of the exhibition and was very well attended. Local eateries provided fantastic palate-pleasers to satiate the gastronomical cravings of the attendees while a cash bar addressed the event’s liquid needs. Various entertainers graced the venue, including an opera singer, Native American chants, Steve the Magician, belly dancers, and psychics (did any of the psychics know who was going to win the competition?). The first place winner in the art category was Natalie Gidcumb of West Bloomfield Township for her 3-D Plexiglass piece entitled “Headlights.” Outstanding contributions from David Birdsong and Ruth Daniel resulted in a tie for 2nd place.

Canvas Pontiac 2014 will begin in November 2013.

Links for further information about Canvas Pontiac can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/CanvasPontiac
http://www.canvaspontiac.com