VVAA’s ‘Ode to Animals’ focuses on furry friends

A good-sized crowd attended the February Virgin Valley Artist Association’s “Ode to Animals” competition Thursday evening at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.

Of the 71 entries, there were animals of every description, in every medium, depicting a variety of perspectives.

Best of Show went to Paulette Schermerhorn for “Let’s Do it,” a beautiful quilted fabric collage of a Bernese mountain dog. Schermerhorn said, “It took about one month to complete it.”

The People’s Choice Award went to photographer Eric Wordal, who reigned over the photography category, winning first place for his “Eyes of the Wise Owl” and second place for “High Note,” a silhouette of a lonely sparrow on a bush, which also took the Mayor’s Choice Award. Honorable mentions went to Randy Bauman and Marie Plummer.

The Sponsor’s Choice Award went to a first-time creative artist duet, titled “Eye Contact.” This piece is a mix of oils and clay created by Dottie and Mike Golden. Representing event sponsor Reliance Connects was Christie Neff, who said, “It was the first piece that caught my eye when I entered the gallery. I love the eye contact between the 3-D lizard and the coyote.” Mike said the scene is the view from the back of his house.

In the Dimensional Art & Earth’s Elements category, first place and the People’s Choice Award went to Wendy Douglas for her colorful quilted fabric piece called “It’s a Race.” The piece depicts desert species like roadrunners, tarantulas and other birds heading toward one goal. Second place went to Elena Ahrens for her fused glass piece titled “Let’s Play,” showing a dog wanting to play with a lion. Honorable mentions went to Paulette Schermerhorn and Chris Picior.

In the Drawing and Sketch category, first place went to Lance Barr for his color pencil drawing of an owl, aptly titled “Rare Beauty.” Second place went to Janna Worwood for her pastel titled “Manik Hunting.” Honorable mentions went to Whiterose Whitefeather and Janna Worwood.

In the Brush Art category, first place went to Diane Coonradt for her cute watercolor of three donkeys. Second place went to Whiterose Whitefeather for an acrylic painting, “Meerkat.” Honorable mentions went to Pamela Wharram and Thomas Davis.

Chips with delicious salsa and avocado dip, along with sweets, were on the buffet, which kept bringing patrons back for more.