| “I’m impressed with both the quality and the quantity of the works of art.” - Art Guild President Larry Mitchell |
The Nicholas County based Courthouse Square Arts Guild sponsored a very successful Second Annual Membership Art Show in the Neal Welcome Center in downtown Carlisle during Saturday in Carlisle festivities this weekend.
Enthusiastic participation by many local artists who submitted quality examples of their work impressed art guild officers and art show judges alike.
“I’m impressed with both the quality and the quantity of the works of art,” Art Guild President Larry Mitchell said.
A total of 48 regional artists displayed 85 works of art at the show.
“Cycle of Contamination,” a three-dimensional work of art made by using felting techniques by Jessica Hamilton won first place in the show.
“A lot of thought went into this work,” said Ed Taylor, one of the two art show judges, as he examined the unusual and vibrantly colored work of art.
“This is a very thought provoking piece, and it is very intriguing,” said the other judge, John Irvin.
The judges made their selection of winners Friday morning after very careful consideration and a lengthy examination of the beautifully displayed works of art.
Irvin, a Carlisle native, and President of the Folk Art Center in Morehead, has also been the curator of the Central Bank of Lexington art gallery for 17 years. He has also been an avid collector of folk art for more than 20 years.
Irvin’s journalistic ventures routinely highlight Carlisle’s activities in his column, which appears in the Louisville Voice-Tribune.
“I’m very proud every time I come into Carlisle,” Irvin said. “I always see a new brightness. Every time I come downtown I see something new that makes me feel good and have pride in Carlisle. That’s the best thing a small town or community can have, is pride.”
Irvin summed up his take on the artists and their displayed works at the show.
“I like the imaginative charisma shown by the people who display their vast intelligence through their art. That has certainly shown up in this show,” he said with a smile.
Irvin and Taylor said there was “mutual agreement” on the selection of the winners.
Taylor, a former President of the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati for five years and an avid collector said he was as focused on the artists as he was their specific pieces.
“The works of art are almost like a snapshot of the artist at a particular point in their life,” he said. “I always like looking for something a little different. I’m always looking for a breakout.”
Second place in the art show was awarded to Kathy Johnson for her watercolor/pastel on paper work entitled “The Gatherers.”
Third place was awarded to Madonna Courtney for her photograph entitled “Morning Fog.”
“Art is easy if you don’t make a big deal out of it,” Cate Wagoner, active art guild member and special committee chair said. “Our guild isn’t just for artist but also for those that enjoy the arts.” Wagoner praised the Dick Letton Insurance Agency and an anonymous donor that helped fund the prize awards for the artists that received prize awards.
Wagoner invites everyone to come and view the art works in the Neal Welcome Center Oct. 4-6.
Irvin agreed strongly with Wagoner on viewing art simply and from the heart. He added that the simplest of things contained art.
“Changing colors or design on something takes art,’ he said. “Architecture is art. Clothing is art.”
Progress continues on the renovation to the Neal Welcome Center and as progress is made details will be reported.
Artists are reminded to pick up their displays from the Center Sunday, Oct. 7, between 1-4 p.m.
|
