In celebration of local artists, and in the grand tradition established by the 1863 Salon rejecting the juried process, Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art in collaboration with SSNAP is proud to present works by Southern Gulf Island artists whose works were not included in the finalist groups of SSNAP in a completely non-juried show.  

This Salon des Refusés will take place at Salt Spring Gallery from September 26 - October 15, running concurrently with the PAS and SSNAP exhibitions.  There will be an opening reception on Friday, September 26, 5-7pm.

Participants: Southern Gulf Island artists not included in the PAS and SSNAP shows will automatically be offered participation in the Salon de Refusés, and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, until the exhibition space is at capacity.  Salt Spring Gallery, in its sole discretion, determines when capacity has been achieved. Snapp participants have received the invitation via e-mail to indicate their desire to participate in the Salon des Refusés. 

In 1863, artwork rejected by jury of the French Academy of Fine Arts in Paris was showcased in the first Salon des Refusés.  This groundbreaking event introduced the public to the emerging avant-garde in painting and created a new line of thinking about what deserved to be seen, and not seen, in the public sphere.  Notable works by Eduard Manet, James Whistler, and Gustave Courbet were included in the exhibition.  “Salon des Refusés” is now used to denote any art exhibition devoted to the display of works rejected by a juried art show.

Although much has changed in the art world since the 19th century, the norms according to which artists are selected for exhibits are still largely defined by curators and juries.

Prize: One prize of a 3-week solo show at Salt Spring Gallery - at a date to be established in 2026 -
will be awarded to one participating artist.  The recipient of this prize will be determined by a representative of SSNAP and the members of Salt Spring Gallery and will be announced on the closing date of the Salon des Refusés.