20.
Thus, the idea of painting became increasingly expansive and difficult to contain. Emblematic of this shift was the demise, just about everywhere, of a system of annual regional painting (and sculpture) salons in the sixties. These had been crucial to the exhibition culture of the time. Prizes won in Montréal, Toronto and Seattle - and, of course, Vancouver - annuals were important career markers. The last BC Annual was held in 1968. On that occasion, everything submitted was hung "salon style." But the nail in the coffin had been pounded in during the previous year, 1967, with the controversy surrounding the 37th BC Annual.

The juror, Montreal artist Yves Gaucher, was underwhelmed . . .