The Artisans Village Guild opened its sixth annual Lake Country Juried Art Show last Thursday with a reception and awards presentation at The Artisans Village Art Gallery in Eatonton.
“There were so many new faces on Thursday evening. This says to me that The Artisans Village continues to bring more art enthusiasts and artists together throughout the Lake Country,” said Kevin Thomson-Hooper, The Artisans Village Board president.
Artisans Village Board Vice President Gail Vail said she was impressed by the overall quality of artwork in the show. “The caliber of the show gets better each and every year, beautiful, top-notch work.”
More than 130 pieces of art in several mediums and styles were submitted for consideration by 50 different artists. Of those, 88 pieces were juried into the show by judge Sam Traina, a well-known local artist and art instructor.
In announcing the award winners, Traina explained when judging he looks at atmosphere, composition, and balance.
“If something is too bright or too dark, and just not quite reading right in the painting, it probably gets set aside and I look at the next one,” he said.
All art that was accepted into the show was required to be hand-delivered to The Artisans Village Gallery and still attracted artists from well beyond Lake Country including Atlanta, Macon, and Athens.
“It is just amazing to see the gallery so full of original artwork from so many talented professionals,” said Shannon Minchey, gallery manager. “It seems like every time we have a show it just gets better and better. The crowd definitely gets bigger and bigger.”
The show will be on display at the Artisans Village Art Gallery until early September, with all works included in the show also for sale. The Artisans Village Art Gallery, (110 W. Marion Street, Eatonton), is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• First Place: Marsha Hamby Savage, “Purple Mountain Majesty”
• Second Place: Dawn Kinney Martin, “Lunch in Les Beaux”
• Third Place: Debbie Anderson, “Nisqually Mule Deer”
• Merit Award: Sandra Witty, “Walk to the Falls”
• Merit Award: Dana Thompson, “Labor of Love”
• Merit Award: Ann Dodys, “Uncle Jimmy and Friends”
• People's Choice Award: Gail Vail, “Resplendent”
-Contributed