Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale

Story and photos by Richard Hooper

Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains hosted their 71st annual art show and sale from May 18 – 20. The opening night gala was a full house and offered a chance to meet the artists. The next two days witnessed a steady flow of visitors to the exhibit and many “sold” signs on the works.

More than 100 artists participated, with many having several works on display. Paintings in oil or acrylic predominated, and there were many watercolors and a smaller selection of fine photographs. From among the many wonderful pieces, first and second place ribbons were awarded in each category, and a Best of Show ribbon went to Kitty Dodd for her colored pencil portrait of a cow entitled “Serenity.”

The first place award in oil or acrylic painting went to Dana Thompson. The first place ribbon for watercolor went to Louann Larkin for “Hollyhocks.” Another striking standout were floral watercolors by Bobbie Cropp in which portions were cut from the paper and re-applied in three dimension, with some of the petals and leaves extending over the mat. In photography, first place went to David Gardner for his depiction of the 13th century Valle Crucis Abbey in Wales. Gardner also exhibited another photograph of the more well-known Tintern Abbey. His detailed images are deftly evocative.

The show is a must-see event and a major fundraiser for Grace Episcopal Church, as well. It usually takes place on the weekend following Mother’s Day, so mark your calendar for next year. ML