VVAA May Awards Were a “Walk in the Park”

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Virgin Valley Artist Associations monthly award ceremony was held Thursday, May 16 at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center.

Members of the public showed up to view the exhibit, which this month had the theme of “Walk in the Park.”. They applauded the winners and also were able to view the featured photography exhibit in the second gallery.

The month’s theme drew a variety of pictures and art pieces depicting the imagination of artists in strolling through a beautiful public place. There were 46 entries in the contest. It was quite interesting to see the different thoughts of the various artist on this topic. The collection went from park flowers, city parks, mountain parks, rainy day walks, and even a walk in the park with Jesus.

The Mayor’s Choice award went to a photograph entitled “Mother’s Day Angels” by Susan McPherson. In the work, lone woman walks toward the Washington Memorial.

Best of Show went to Wendy Douglas for a watercolor entitled A walk in Willis Slots” depicting a slot canyon.

Sponsor’s Choice award went to Kaylea’ Layah W. Whitefeather for her acrylic painting “Closer Walk with Thee” depicting a child walking with Jesus on a park path. This month’s sponsor of the exhibit was anonymous.

The People Choice award went to Sharyn McDonnell for her large photograph of “Purple Cone Flowers Along the Path.”
Emerging Artist award went to Cindie Selbo.

In the Brushed Art category first place went to Wendy Douglas for “Out to Pasture.”
Second place went to Jan Hanson for a watercolor called “A walk among the Hoo Doos.”
Brush Art honorable mentions included works by Helen Fayer Weather, Vanessa Temple.

Dimensional Art First Place went to Elena Ahrens, for “Autumn Time Walk in the Park.” A fused glass mixed media wall hanging.

Second place in the category went to Linda Birks for fused glass table setting of trees in park entitled “Summer Time.”
Dimensional Art Honorable mentions went to works created by Linda Birks and Cindie Selbo.

In the Drawing category first and second place went to Christine Picior for color pencil pieces “A Walk in Giraffic Park.” and “Rainy Giggles in Central Park.”
Honorable mentions in the category went to Maxine Chisholm and Joyce Redweik.

Photography & Digital Arts first place winner was Susan McPherson for her large colorful close-up of park flowers called “Purple Cone flowers along the path.”
Second place went to Randy Bauman for “Misty Morning Walk,” of a town park.
Honorable mentions in the category went to Tyler Roylance, and Shirly Smith.

Kenny B provided lovely background keyboard music. Wine and finger foods were served.