The Artisans Village Guild held a reception for its 9th annual Lake Country Juried Art Show on June 19 at Barrel 118 in Eatonton. Several awards were presented to artists that night, including the prestigious People’s Choice award, which went to Dr. Edward Hubach for “Fury,” depicting a black horse.
A retired family physician from Ohio, Hubach said he and his wife, Debbie, moved to the Lake Oconee area about three years ago. Within a year, he took up painting as a hobby. He said he started attending weekly lessons with artist Jackie Hill in Milledgeville.
“What you do is you go in and bring in a picture, and she’ll help you if you need it. And if you don’t, she just lets you paint,” Hubach explained. “She just kind of keeps you motivated.”
Hubach added he was “surprised” at winning the People’s Choice award.
“To be honest, this is very validating,” he said. “I guess I'll keep painting now.”
Also thrilled to be included among those recognized at the Juried Art Show was Melanie Schneider of The Artisans Village, whose jewelry piece, “Golden Spiral,” was selected for a Merit Award by juried show judge Shane McDonald, a well-known artist and art instructor from Marietta.
“There were so many new faces on Thursday evening. The Artisans Village continues to bring more art enthusiasts and artists together throughout the Lake Country and beyond,” show chairperson Michele Hartung said. “It was an amazing show and a wonderful evening.”
Sixty-two artists submitted over 160 pieces of art in various mediums and styles for consideration by McDonald, who selected and evaluated about 100 pieces for the show.
“The caliber of the show gets better each and every year,” show co-chair Cathy McIntire said. “This is the third year we’ve had the opening at Barrel 118, and this beautiful venue is just the perfect way to showcase the art and a comfortable space for the increasing number of artists and guests.”
The event featured complimentary wine provided by The Artisans Village Guild members, catering from Rock Eagle, and a towering display of florals from Eatonton-based Taylor Flowers & Gifts.
“It takes a lot of planning and teamwork for this event every year, and we like to make it memorable with special touches,” McIntire added.
All art accepted into the show was required to be hand delivered to Barrel 118 and still attracted artists from well beyond Lake Country, including Atlanta, Macon, Athens, and North Georgia.
“It is just amazing to see all of this original artwork from so many talented professionals,” Shannon Minchey, gallery manager at The Artisans Village, said. “It seems like every time we have a show, it just gets better and better. The crowd definitely gets bigger and bigger.”
Following the opening weekend at Barrel 118, the show has been relocated to The Artisans Village Art Gallery, where it will remain on display until the end of July. All pieces entered into the show are for sale.
The Artisans Village Art Gallery at 110 W. Marion St. is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit online at theartisansvillage.org for more information.
Award-winning works of art and artists included:
• 1st Place–Deborah Griffis for “A New Morning;”
• 2nd Place–Brian Danson for “Stand Strawng!;”
• 3rd Place–Leslie Guo for “The Vintage Green;”
• Merit Award–Lorraine Kimsey for “Rocky Mountain Cabin;”
• Merit Award–Janet Getter for “French Melon;”
• Merit Award–Melanie Schneider for “Golden Spiral;”
• People’s Choice Award – Edward Hubach for “Fury.”