The National Virtual One-Frame Philatelic Exhibition, also known as Virtual Canpex, is set to close its doors at the end of the month after opening on April 7.
Canada’s first virtual national-level exhibition, it features 65 competitive single-frame exhibits (“‘Overwhelming’ exhibitor interest in 24-day Virtual Canpex show,” CSN Vol. 45 #26) plus a small section of five non-judged entries. People can view the online-only exhibition via canpex.ca 24 hours a day through the end of April.
“So far, so good,” said John Sheffield, one of the show’s main organizers, who added there have been “lots of good vibes on social media.”
The 65 competitive exhibits come from 16 countries and five continents, with 27 exhibits in the postal history class and another 15 in traditional philately. There are also five thematic exhibits; three each in revenue, picture postcards, display and aerophilately; and one youth entry.
Judging began on April 7.
The five-person jury includes:
- head judge Jane Sodero, of Halifax, N.S.;
- Sam Chiu, of Toronto, Ont.;
- Kathryn Johnson, of Chicago, Ill.;
- Norma Nielson, of Eugene, Ore.;
- David Piercey, of Edmonton, Alta.; and
- Robert Pinet, also of Toronto.
“I think the future will have a place for both virtual and traditional,” added Sheffield, who’s also a co-chair of the in-person national-level Canpex show held in London, Ont., each fall. “The best example is what is going on right in front of us. Since national shows in Canada were cancelled in 2020, and with 2021 not looking all that great, Virtual Canpex 21 was held to provide collectors the opportunity to qualify their exhibits for CAPEX 22, a traditional exhibition.”
A full review of the 24-day virtual show, including its exhibition winners and comments from the jury, will be published in the next edition of CSN (Vol. 46 #3).