OCAD University Releases Juried Results for Glenfiddich Artist-in-Residence

Online, May 16, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Glenfiddich, the world's most awarded single malt scotch, today announced that Helen Cho of Ajax, ON will be the 2011 Canadian Artist-in-Residence at the company's distillery in Scotland this summer.

Ms. Cho was selected from a shortlist of nine artists. In all 125 artists from across Canada submitted proposals. The competition was juried by an OCAD University panel led by Charles Reeve, Curator of Onsite [at] OCAD U gallery.

According to Reeve, Cho's proposal stood out for her intention to create works based on her engagement and interaction with the community and setting of Dufftown where the distillery is located.

"I am delighted for the opportunity to work in the supportive environment of the Glenfiddich Artist-in-Residence and share my work with the community of Dufftown," says Helen Cho.

"I have been investigating the idea of systematically breaking down an artwork so that its production process can be made visible and accessible to the public. I am very excited to bring this idea from a developmental stage to fruition and to interact with local residents in the unique setting of the Scottish Highlands," says Cho.

Ms. Cho will join artists in residence from China, India, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.

"We are very proud that the Artist-in-Residence program appeals to so many of Canada's leading and emerging contemporary artists," says Andy Fairgrieve, Program Coordinator. "The range and scope of the submissions is a true reflection of the creative exploration going on in Canada today."

"The Glenfiddich residency provides substantial support for significant contemporary artists," says OCAD U Curator Charles Reeve. "We're thrilled to be involved with this important program."

The shortlisted Canadian artists in 2011 included; Deanna Bowen, Jess Dobkin, Kelly Jazvac, Nestor Kruger, Alex Morrison, Paulette Phillips, Nicholas Pye, and Laurel Woodcock.

Each year, Glenfiddich sponsors up to eight artists from around the world to live and work at the distillery in Dufftown. The residency, valued at roughly $20,000 per artist, represents Glenfiddich's commitment to pioneering spirits, the arts and the communities it serves.

The artists live in crofts at the distillery and are encouraged to find inspiration from their unique setting in the Scottish Highlands. One of the special benefits is the opportunity to work in an international artists' community, to share a dialogue with one another and to foster cross-disciplinary ideas.

The Glenfiddich Artist-in-Residence program has sponsored more than 70 artists since its inception in 2002. Canadian artists have included Damian Moppett (2010), Arabella Campbell (2009), Dave Dyment (2008), Jonathon Kaiser (2007), Annie Pootoogook (2006) and Myfanwy Macleod (2005).

The Artist-in-Residence program covers the cost of travel, living expenses and working materials while at the residency.

About Helen Cho
Helen Cho is a Korean born Canadian artist based in Ajax, Ontario and Berlin, Germany. Helen earned a Diploma in Painting and Drawing from Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD U) and an MA from Goldsmiths College. Helen's works have been exhibited in North America, Asia and Europe in venues such as Artspeak, Galerie Martin van Zomeren, YYZ, Derek Eller Gallery, Magnus Muller, National Museum of Contemporary Arts (Korea), Kumho Museum, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Kunstverein Wolfsberg, Bielefelder Kunstverein, Ssamziespace. Helen is the recipient of numerous grants from the Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts and AHRC (Arts & Humanities Research Council), United Kingdom.

About OCAD University (OCAD U)
OCAD University (www.ocad.ca) is Canada's "university of the imagination." The University, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

About Onsite [at] OCAD U
Formerly called "The Professional Gallery," Onsite [at] OCAD U (www.ocad.ca/onsite) was launched in 2007 with Rirkrit's first solo exhibit in Canada. Since then, it has hosted solo and group shows featuring dozens of nationally and internationally significant contemporary artists and designers, enriching OCAD U's educational experience while helping to make this university an indispensable cultural resource for the region.

About William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family. The Company distils some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts, and one of the world's best loved blended Scotches, Grant's®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick's® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum and most recently Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.