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Best of Show: "Night Riders" by Anda Chance. - Photos: Correspondent Richard Wright
Judge's Choice: "Spin" by Linda Deater.
Mary Collins Watercolor Award: "Fairhope Yacht Club" by Judith Adams.
Three Dimensional Category: "Pine Needle Basket" by Leah Howell.
Photography first place: "A Burning Light" by Grace Bowman.
Photography second place: "Holy Cow!" by Andre Marcil.
Photography third place: "Cloud Painter" by Larry Elshoff.
Drawing first place: "Dun-Ridin" by Cathy Wilson.
Drawing second place: "Duchess" by Glinda Pennock.
Drawing third place: "Is This Color Good For Me?" by Rose Metz.
Painting first place: "Block Party" by John Rice.
Painting second place: "Around the Bend" by Karen LeMonnier.
Painting third place: "El Gallo" by Jennifer Dunaway.

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September 18, 2012

Autumn Artfest - “Night Riders” takes best of show

By Correspondent Richard Wright Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Tue Sep 18, 2012, 04:19 PM EDT

Live Oak — The Live Oak Artists Guild brought together some of the finest art and artists in the Suwannee River Valley. In partnership with the Suwannee River Regional Library, the Guild attracted some 50 artists and 122 entries, making this their largest show in the 16 years that the Autumn Artfest has taken place. Especially noteworthy were the 20 artists that participated for the first time. This was credited, in part, to the excellent promotional efforts of Marilyn Jones.

The Artists’ Reception was held Sept. 9 at the Suwannee River Regional Library. It included refreshments, finger-foods, special ‘fall decorating,’ and an awards presentation. Even Salvador Dali (John Bell) made an appearance, greeting guests and opening the awards presentation. A total of $3,000 in prizes was awarded in 13 different categories. Additionally, each winner received a one-of-a-kind hand-painted award medallion.

The exhibit runs for two weeks and concludes on Sept. 21 and has a normal attendance of some 800 people. Included are students who explore the exhibit with the assistance of their art teachers. This provides a strong incentive for young people to develop interest in the arts. Entries in the Artfest are open to both Guild members and non-members. Additionally, the skills of participating artists range from the very experienced, to beginners. Many of the art pieces were available for purchase.

The Autumn Artfest also offers sponsorship opportunities for those wanting to help promote the arts in our area. This years’ sponsors included James Cannon, Rob Cathcart State Farm Insurance, Collins and Company CPA’s, Daniel Crapps Agency Inc., Brant and Susan Helvenston, B.W Helvenston and Sons Inc., Sharon Persons, Poole Realty, Publix, Jerry and Jeanette Scarborough, Vickie C. Music, Wellborn Quarter Horses and the Suwannee Regional Library.

The Live Oak Artists Guild currently has about 90 members. Anyone, interested in developing their artistic skills, is encouraged to consider membership. The Guild was established in 1979 and offers ongoing help to its members. Besides the Autumn Artfest, the Guild also puts on the Artsplash every June. This three-day ‘art summer camp’ has about 60 student attendees and is a joint venture with Suwannee High School.

Best of Show

The Best of Show Award went to Anda Chance for her colored pencil drawing titled “Night Riders.” It depicts a view, looking out through a store window, with old bicycles in the window display.

Anda was inspired for her winning entry while antiquing in Madison. In an antique store window she saw the old bicycles and could visualize an interesting drawing. She got permission to take photos from the store owner and those photos were the basis of her drawing. Note this is a ‘drawing,’ because her preferred medium is colored pencil. She has worked with art for some 25 years, including being an elementary school art teacher.

Initially, she mainly worked with water colors, and had not considered colored pencil as a serious art medium. She changed her mind after retiring and moving with her husband from Kissimmee to McAlpin five years ago. As she said, “Colored pencil is a ‘big thing’ in this area.” With assistance from local mentors, such as Jeffery Baisden and Chris Flannigan, she’s not only learned to love colored pencil, she describes herself as ‘addicted.’ Colored pencil can create detail that closely resembles a photograph. (If you haven’t seen good colored pencil art, you’re in for a real treat!)

Her main artistic interest tends to be industrial, man-made objects and cityscapes. She well described her subject matter as “city grit.” Local colored pencil artists meet in Live Oak weekly to encourage and help each other. Anda say she always has a project or two going.

For information on the Live Oak Artists Guild, go to www.liveoakartistsguild.org

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Autumn Artfest - “Night Riders” takes best of show

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