“2022 Free Wheelin’, Throttle Twistin’, Rubber Burnin’, Good Times Havin’ Motorcycle Art Show
AKA “the Art of Winging it”

All of life is an act of art, or active art.

From its very inception, this exhibition has been an exercise of “winging it”. Figuring it out as we go.

No pretence or purpose other than satisfying an urge to live.

As with all of life, purpose is created along the way.

We crave reasons for doing what we want, an opening statement, as though that somehow validates our experience. As though an affirmation of intention somehow gives us permission to actively engage in our lives.

And sometimes we get hung up on fears that we won’t get it right, or it won’t turn out the way we want.

The creation of the poster for this exhibition alone was an adventurous practice in letting go of those fears. But mistakes make life interesting. The idealism of perfectionism is debilitating and cuts you in half, perfect or imperfect, as though “getting it right” is more righteous than “getting it wrong”. And yet even the humble and seemingly insignificant poster itself is a fuller experience with its mistakes embraced and celebrated. Grace in growth is a far more fulfilling way to live than living dissatisfied with imperfection.

Furthermore to purpose, it’s created in the evolution of experience, though perhaps experience alone is the sole purpose of life.

That’s what draws people to motorbikes; a little bit of danger, an element of uncertainty and the possibility of adventure. Curiosity and experience. Feeling alive and having fun.

You keep riding for the experience of it, not for some kind of logical rationalization of the act. Cars are much more practical, they’ll take you where you need to go comfortably and relatively safely in nearly any kind of weather. Meanwhile, the most memorable rides are often the ones with an entertaining dose of calamity along the way.

As the sad guru says, “We’re all gonna die, best to live a little while we’re alive.”

So there’s the “why” to satisfy the need for a philosophical or profound purpose of this show. Keep in mind this whole statement is an ongoing hypothesis, a question, not an answer. The real reason for the show; we want to live and enjoy the ride as much as we can while we’re here. And we hope you enjoy the shared experience in all its uncertainty and imperfection. Feel free to come and have fun for no reason at all!”

The CRJAE provides an opportunity for artists to receive professional critique from jurors on their work and display their work in professional settings across the Central Region of Manitoba.

This year we received 51 submissions from 21 artists.

From all the submissions 20-30 pieces will be selected to tour across Central Manitoba.

From the pieces selected to tour, 10 pieces are chosen to receive an invitation

to participate in the Manitoba Rural & Northern Juried Arts Show hosted by the MB Arts Network.

The CRJAE is made possible by the efforts of the Central Cultural Council and generously supported by the Manitoba Arts Council.

40th Annual Juried Art Exhibit Tour Schedule

Opening Reception at Winkler Arts + Culture

April 28, 2022 at 7:00 pm

May 3 – 28, 2022
Winkler Arts + Culture
547 Park St, Winkler, MB
Email: admin@winklerarts.com, Phone: 204-384-9167
Website: winklerarts.com

June 1 – 28, 2022
Tiger Hills Arts Association
Phone: 204-526-2063, Website: tigerhillsarts.com

July 5 – 28, 2022
Golden Prairie Arts Council
Phone: 204-745-6568, Website: goldenprairieartscouncil.com

August 2 – 24, 2022
Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment
Phone: 204-239-6029, Email: prairiefusion.ca

September 1 – 29, 2022
Manitoba Rural & Northern Juried Art Show

October 1 – 28, 2022
Pembina Hills Arts Council
Phone: 204-822-6026, Email: pembinahillsarts.com

November 1 – December 4, 2022
Manitou Opera House
Phone: 204-825-8406 Website: manitouoperahouse.com