The Rock School Arts Foundation opened its 22nd Annual Open Art Competition on Saturday during the Waldensian Festival in Valdese.
Judges were Lynda Lea Bonkemeyer and Thomas Thielemann, both teachers at local community colleges and graduates of the master's of fine arts program at Radford University in Virginia.
They gave first prize to Kenny Walker for a small haunting self-portrait in pencil that took the artist 50 hours to complete. The soft, subtle feel of the material on the paper and the transition of light to dark illustrates the use of chiaroscuro as it was intended to be used by Renaissance masters.
The stare, directly at the viewer, pulls the viewer into its both comfortable and uncomfortable gaze.
Second prize went to Nina Hardison for the painting, Creating a Ballet. This small painting conveys movement of the ballerinas within strong negative space. Nonrepresentational blue marks by the artist's paintbrush join in the dance across the canvas.
Third prize was given to Tommy Stine, a skilled seasoned artist, whose quiet, still quality of his watercolor, The Cup, makes the work linger even after one has walked away from it.
Accomplished political artist Andrew Atkin won honorable mention for a painting, The Ionic Embrace.
This work is a highly imaginative rendering of a political reality that leaves the viewer wondering who are the true victims and victors of war.
Honorable mention also was given to Nina Hardison for Among the Aspens for a vertical treescape that leaves one overwhelmed by the beauty of the woods and trees.
Honorable mention was given to accomplished watercolorist Judy Rider for Canyon Hikers #2-Long Way Home. The unusual, off-center and tilted figures walking along the path in the canyon make the viewer feel as if he or she is following along for the hike.
Finally, an honorable mention was given to Molly LaFontaine for a summertime scene entitled At the Market, an acrylic painting of fruits and vegetables using a strong color palette and composition in a grid-like pattern.
The People's Choice Award was given to Dream Home, an exquisitely detailed watercolor of a home nestled in the trees surrounded by blooming shrubbery by Charles E. Smith.
The exhibition of these and many other excellent works will be on display until Sept. 28 in Galleries I and II.
The competition is sponsored by McDonald's Corp. and the Wachovia Foundation.
Valued supporters are Rock Drug Store, Drexel Discount Drug Store, Nationwide — Paul Mears & Associates, and Brinkley Insurance Agency.
The Rock School Arts Foundation, at 400 Main St. W., Valdese, Galleries I and II, Studio 101 are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment. Call 879-2129 or visit www.visitvaldese.com.
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