Artist wraps up local exhibit - continues in global competition

Amherstburg artist Dennis White wrapped up an exhibit at The O last Sunday with another artist with The Local Collective Art Project now taking the space. White is still part of Art Comp, a global art competition based out of London, Ontario.

An Amherstburg artist has concluded an exhibit in town, but a global competition he is a part of is ongoing.

Dennis White, a member of the Local Collective Art Project, concluded his exhibit at The O restaurant in Amherstburg. 

The 12 artists in the exhibit are taking turns displaying their work in the Murray St. restaurant/pub, with each local artist getting to have their work up for two weeks.

While that has ended, White’s participation in Art Comp is ongoing. That competition is worldwide with one of White’s pieces of art, “Mr. Bojangles,” being chosen to compete in the competition.

Much like his work at The O, White’s work put forth for the competition is music-themed as he paints his interpretation of what songs mean to him.

“It’s stationed in London, Ontario but it’s open to anyone in the world,” White said of Art Comp 2026.

White explained that artists can enter three pieces and judges can choose one of them to be entered into the top 100. A panel of judges decide the grand prize while online votes decide the three “people’s choice” awards.

“The top prize is $100,000,” said White. 

People’s choice awards are $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000, depending on how many votes are received.

“The total prize pack is $200,000,” he said.

Art Comp is based out of the old Kellogg’s factory at 100 Kellogg Lane in London. 

White stated Stephen Gibb, another Amherstburg artist, won a $20,000 people’s choice award at Art Comp a few years ago and recommended that White enter this year.

“Stephen is world renowned now with his art,” said White. “It’s a big boost if you get a chance to compete with your art.”

White added his daughter created a Facebook post about the competition and it received 38,000 views in its first week. 

The competition closes Sept. 24.  

The public can vote at https://artcomp.awardsplatform.com. 

Artist wraps up local exhibit - continues in global competition

By Ron Giofu