Kamloops artist wins big at French art competition

KAMLOOPS – A local artist has won big at an international art competition in France.

Dennis Cound is one of 15 people who beat nearly 1,200 others out for a prestigious title at the Art Tour International in Montagnac.

The CP rail engineer is a carver, working with anything from soap stone and alabaster to moose antlers, deer horns, and even skulls of bears and coyotes. In January of this year, the Mayor’s Gala for the Arts competition in Kamloops featured Cound's work as the actual award in several categories.

In December, Cound found out his work qualified for the Art Tour International magazine Masters awards, which includes the top 60 masters of contemporary art.

The carving master, and actor, has been documenting his European travels through Facebook, and announced his award this weekend.

"Guess what…..I was one of 15 from 1200 that WON an award at the Art tour International here in France!!!!!! I am surprised, honored and humbled as there were many unbelievable artists here," Cound posted.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ashley Legassic or call 250-319-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.