2D Juror – Kegan McFadden, Executive Director, Victoria Arts Council

With two decades of professional experience in the arts sector across Canada as a curator, gallery director, publisher, writer, and artist, Kegan McFadden was appointed Executive Director of the Victoria Arts Council in 2018. Over his time with the VAC, Kegan has commissioned exciting solo exhibitions by local and regional artists, expanded the Council’s publishing imprint, and fostered a renewed educational program all while facilitating important partnerships across Greater Victoria towards the amplification of the visual and literary arts.

As part of Kegan’s dedication and tenacity towards supporting the arts in our region the VAC has received the Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Award in recognition of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and the CRD Regional Impact Award. Well-positioned to deliberate over the Spring Show, Mr. McFadden has served as an arts grants assessor for municipal, provincial, and federal funding bodies.

Website – vicartscouncil.ca

2D Juror – Blu Smith, Contemporary Abstract Artist

As a young man Blu Smith worked as a sign painter and commercial artist, developing his skills for accuracy and precision. These are the very attributes that he found restricting in his painting. His mature style as an abstract painter began as an exercise to free himself from the technical restraints of realism.

Abstraction became a creatively freeing direction that evolved into his unique voice as an artist. “I look at my paintings not as individual pieces but rather as a living, breathing and constantly evolving body of work. It really does take on a life of its own.” His subject matter is based from the light filled spaces of the Canadian West Coast reinterpreted in an abstract approach. “My work is about the diversity of two different states and the transitions between the two. Victoria, on the west coast of Canada is where Blu lives and works with his wife and growing young family. Blu has exhibited his work throughout Canada, Europe and the US for several years.

Website – blusmithgallery.com

3D Juror – Jill Fitz Hirschbold, Side Street Studio

Jill Fitz Hirschbold is the 4th owner of Side Street Studio, established in 1986, located in the Oak Bay Village. The Studio currently represents over 130 local artists and markers and their unique West Coast inspired work. Through her careful curation the shop offers an extensive selection of: pottery, wood art, glass art, textiles, jewelry, gift cards, prints and much more. The road to becoming the owner of the Studio is quite unexpected.

Jill holds a Diploma in Environmental Quality Control (Mt Royal University) and a BSc (UVic) in Biology. Her career before starting a family was in Environmental Science. During the time at home with her young children she created a home business based on her landscape and abstract photography. Her photography is instinctual, and she is entirely self-taught. Her pieces have made their way to England, China and the US and many private residences in Vancouver and Vancouver Island. She has volunteered her photography skills to Raincoast Conservation, Greenpeace Canada, FraserFEST and Watershed Watch, Tour de Victoria, Swiftsure and donated works to the Banff Mid-Summers Ball, CNIB Art Appeal, Heart for Hopice, VGH/UBD Night of 1000 Stars Gala 2015 and YWCA Woman of Distinction Awards. This new career set her on the path to purchasing Side Street Studio in 2017.

Websites –

Photography jhirischbold.com
Side Street Studio sidestreetstudio.com

Jewellery Juror – Erin Sabiston, Violette Boutique

Erin Sabiston was born and raised in Victoria, BC and has been deeply connected to the local community her entire life. As the daughter of two business owners, she grew up with a strong appreciation for entrepreneurship and creativity. She attended the University of Victoria, earning a BFA in Art History with a Minor in Hispanic and Italian Studies.

Following her passion for aesthetics and design, Erin founded Violette Boutique, a carefully curated jewelry store dedicated to showcasing independent Canadian designers. As the owner, creative director and buyer, she is committed to celebrating craftsmanship and unique artistry in jewelry.

Erin is honoured to be a part of the Spring Show and looks forward to supporting and recognizing the incredible talent in the community.

Website – violetteboutique.com