August always promises a HOT new show at the RAL Art Center, 19 N Main Street, Kilmarnock. Member artists brought their best game creating “Fins, Feathers and Furs.” Visitors are in for a treat as they view an exhibit featuring oils, acrylics, pastels, mixed media, fused glass, watercolors, fiber art and photography.
Marilyn Sprouse, judge for this event, presented awards at the First Friday’s Reception. Marilyn earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Art from Radford University with an endorsement to teach. For the past 30 years she has taught in pubic and private schools. Her criteria for judging is how the art work connects to and expresses a story related to the theme, and how lines, shapes, values, colors and textures plus contrast are used or arranged to create a composition. She is a longtime supporter of youth art education at the RAL Art Center.
She chose “Koi No Yokan,” an oil by Karen Williams for First Place. Sprouse stated that this piece captures attention like no other, and that it is a bold yet muted sensitive painting.
Second Place was awarded to “Soaring Over Waves of Blue.” an acrylic by Gloria Clifford. Marilyn pointed out that this painting’s
bold monochromatic color use captures and holds your attention as the eyes swirl throughout the painting.
Third Place went to “Wild Ponies,” a photograph by Harold Burnley.
The clarity is so crisp in this photograph that the viewer almost wants to touch the pony’s fur. The composition keeps interest focused on the ponies and the unspoken communication between them.
Honorable Mentions were awarded to the following:
“Warrior Diva’s Flight of Fancy,” mixed media by Laurie Breakwell
“It’s Don!” fiber art by Martha Gilbert
“Mother Nature’s Marvels,” mixed media by Barbara Brecher
“Fish Fry II,” acrylic by Johnny Hayes
“Carry Me Home,” oil by Sarah Marshall Elliott
This exhibit will be on display until August 27, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.