Joanne Poluch
Since 2010, Joanne Poluch has been the owner of Remarque Art Consulting in Guelph. Holding an Honours Degree in Art History for the University of Guelph and Diploma in Art Marketing from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, Joanne uses this educational underpinning to jury regularly in Southern Ontario, Western Canada and South West Florida. Additionally, Joanne manages the Art Sales & Rental Program at the Art Gallery of Guelph.
Since 2010, Joanne Poluch has been the owner of Remarque Art Consulting in Guelph. Holding an Honours Degree in Art History for the University of Guelph and Diploma in Art Marketing from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, Joanne uses this educational underpinning to jury regularly in Southern Ontario, Western Canada and South West Florida. Additionally, Joanne manages the Art Sales & Rental Program at the Art Gallery of Guelph.
Joanne’s jury style has been deemed as “masterful and in-depth” and with “humility, fairness with a sharp eye of an art historian.” Her approach to jury work is always underlined with a view to technical skill, a unique voice, innovation and the ability to convey emotion through a work of art.
As a true champion of the arts, Joanne enjoys a solid reputation in the Canadian art world. With a multi-dimensional business, Joanne also has a very thriving and active art coaching & mentorship practice.
As well, she is called upon to be the guest speaker for numerous arts organizations both nationally and internationally speaking on a variety of topical and timely subjects.
Barry Richman:
Founder Paint Ontario
Barry is a representational artist who has won the highest honour awarded by his peers, the title of Master Pastel Artist. In 1996 he founded Paint Ontario (formerly Paint the Huron Shores) to celebrate the beauty of the province of Ontario and to create opportunity for representational artists to have their work seen, juried, and offered for purchase in a high profile venue. 2015 was the last year for Barry’s oversight of Paint Ontario. He handed his enterprise into the hands of the Grand Bend Art Centre. Barry was a judge for our 2018 Paint Ontario show and also for our inaugural Perch n’ Paint plein air event in 2021.
Sculpture Judge 2024
Marcela Bahar
Czech born Marcela Bahar is a working artist, frequently pivoting in her career due to exterior circumstances. She started as a couturier designing clothing for a private clientele and creating templates for the manufacturing sector.
Marcela returned to the Czech Republic to study under a national artist. Upon returning to Canada she embarked upon a very vibrant clay and glass career, often adding metal and wood into her pieces. Marcela‘s pieces were displayed in galleries across Canada including the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Her pieces are in private collections worldwide.
Marcela has worked in various galleries and institutions, most notably the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery where she co-curated international and national exhibitions. Marcela has received many awards throughout her career. She was also featured twice on HGTV.
Throughout the years while pursuing her art work, Marcela had the opportunity to “dabble” in house design and architecture. Currently, she is the visionary behind the White Squirrel Golf Club on the shores of Lake Huron.Her latest gem is the design of a zero net energy building which houses both a pro shop and state of the art bar. Marcela has expanded the scope of her work to include commercial building design, including branding and marketing.