This year celebrates 25 years of the James Weir People's Choice Art Exhibition, which has become one of the most popular events at the Weyburn Allie Griffin Art Gallery.

This annual January exhibition was begun in 1983, as a tribute to the man who in the 1960s established the very first Arts Council in all of Saskatchewan, right here in Weyburn. In fact, the Weyburn Arts Council was the model for all the other art councils in the province.

James Weir's intention in forming the Arts Council was to promote the arts in a visible way and to encourage artists from Weyburn and surrounding areas. This is still the role of the Weyburn Arts Council to this very day.

The idea for the James Weir People's Choice Exhibition was first proposed by Lawrence Barber and some of the other members of the Weyburn Arts Council at that time. The next year, in 1984, a trophy was purchased to serve as a permanent record of past winners on engraved plaques. The trophy is a carving by well-known artist Bill Hazzard.

This year's local artists take great delight in inviting residents of Weyburn, and the area, to cast their vote for their favourite work of art among over two dozen entries.

This fascinating show can be viewed at Weyburn's Allie Griffin Art Gallery from January 4 to 31, which is located at 45 Bison Avenue, in the lower level of the Weyburn Public Library.

A special anniversary reception will be held on Sunday, February 3 from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the Allie Griffin Art Gallery. Winners of the People's Choice will be announced and the artists are looking forward to meeting the viewing public. This reception is open to everybody.