The 12th edition of the FIMA ended Sunday, July 3, after five days of beautiful weather and wonder! The happy atmosphere, the perfect temperature, the presence of dozens of talented artists and a great number of visitors have made of this FIMA the most successful of all! The artists and the public are delighted: Maryse Raymond, a FIMA-goer for many years, says “I think that this is really the best edition ever, for the quality of the art, of the organization and of the public! FIMA has become one of the most beautiful event of the summer!” The artist Proyectiles adds that “... it is our first exhibition outside Argentina and we are thrilled with the exchange with the public and its warmth.”

The activities attracted great crowds, like Julie Jaffrennou's surprising performances, Amanta Scott's fun interactive installation, Rahmat Haron's impressive live sculpture, Isabel Caccia's playful spider Web, Alex Storm's trash theatre and Jérémie Chétrit's blind walk. The live collective painting with En Masse and Décover were also undeniable attractions for the public. The short film projections AT THE MOVIES were a real success at the parc de l'Espoir Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Late evening walkers could stop by the Albatroz boutique to gaze at the moving images which marvelled many people in the storefront, created by Francis Théberge and Joseph Lefèvre. More then ever, the public was present, participative, enthusiast, curious and creative. The public is what made the event so joyful!

AWARDS
Eight artists were rewarded during the closing ceremony, in the packed house of Cabaret Mado. A rising star Sébastien Gaudette won the Grand Prize of $1,000 given by the FIMA, as well as a space in the Gallery Space next year (value of $925), $500 by DeSerres and $250 given by Assurart. The Discovery Prize, awarded by Galerie D went to Sandra Chevrier while Kalibre gave Hélène Cenedese the Emerging Art Prize.

The jury and the public both have fallen in love with Marie-Claude Vézeau's work, who won two prizes : the Excellency Award, attributed by the jury, and the Public's Choice Award. One of the public voters, Mr Trasher, from Washington DC, won a work by Vézeau.

Honorary mentions were also given by the jury to Tick Tock Tom, Chopin, Julia Hepburn and Mouna Abed.

Congratulation to all the artists!

The jury of peers was composed of : Claire Crombez, artistic director of the gallery MX; Robert Racine, director for the gallery Zéphyr; Sonia Léontieff, multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer and Micah Lockhart, artistic director of the magazine Décover. In their respective categories were also Jean Fortin, director of the gallery D, and Julie Tremblay and Mélanie Wagenhoffer, from Kalibre.

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Despite financial difficulties, and the lack of support from the public and private institutions, the FIMA team is already enthusiastic about the next edition, strong and confident that FIMA will continue to be a thriving success.

Thanks to the artists, our partners and the public!

See you next year at the 13th FIMA, from June 28 to July 1, 2012!

VISIT KALIBRE'S BLOG - FIMA 2011

Fore more information, contact :

SOURCE :
Marie-Chantal Scholl
(514) 522-4646
mchantal@festivaldesarts.org
www.festivaldesarts.org