February is all about love at the RAL Art Center, 19 N Main Street, Kilmarnock. Two new shows are on display featuring paintings, photography, fiber art, stain glass, fused glass and sculpture. One hundred and eleven pieces of art were entered by member artists in “I Love” and “A Touch of Red.”
Sandy Manning, former LHS Visual and Graphic Arts instructor grades 9-12 and Northern Neck artist/instructor since 1989, presented comments and awards for the two exhibits at the First Friday reception on February 3.
Sandy chose “Please Don’t, My Love,” a pastel by Mel Neale for first place in the “I Love” exhibit. The artist paints a visual message of a girl texting while driving in the reflections of her sunglasses. The love of a parent is evident with the tender words in the title.
Second place went to “Grandma’s Hugs are Best,” an oil painting by Cate Kauffman. The artist captured the joy of being a grandparent and the love between a young child and her grandma. Third place was awarded to Cindy Kinney for her oil, “The Vigil.” This painting captured the loving touch of two hands with caring and support, and surviving possible pain and suffering. A perfect “I Love.”
Honorable mentions went to: “Northern Neck Gold #2” fused glass by Laurie Morissette, “Love Letters” mixed media by Barbara Brecher, “The Legacy Continues” acrylic by John Scott Everton II, and “Cool and Clear” watercolor by Linda Goldstein.
Manning chose “Remember,” an oil by Juli Schuszler for first place in the “A Touch of Red” exhibit. This painting of clear blue sky and bright red poppies brings back the memory of
Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day where veterans have been remembered with poppy flowers.
Second place was awarded to “Line Dancer,” a watercolor by Doug Mock.” This painting reminded Sandy of a ballerina in the Nutcracker Suite. The skillfully painted fishing lure with a touch of red gives the feeling of a dancer. Third place went to “Waiting for Your Letter,” an acrylic by Mary Ellis. This touch of red appears on the mailbox flag. Abstraction with pastel colors set the tone for waiting for your letter.
Honorable mentions were awarded to: “Red Drum Rodeo” stain glass by Patricia Corlin, “Lover Boy” sculpture by Ron Taylor, “Cannoneers on Veteran’s Day” oil by Cate Kauffman, “Red Cattleya” watercolor by Cindy Kinney, and “Peaches in a Steel Bowl” oil by Sarah Marshall Elliott.
These exhibits will remain on display until February 25. Gallery hours are 10 am - 4 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays.
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