8:52 am Elizabethton artist Ken Simmelink takes ‘Best in Show’ in annual art show
Sixty-one paintings of the Watauga Valley Art League were judged by Fleta Monaham, who is the founder and director of River’s Edge Studio and 310 ART Gallery in Asheville, N.C.
Photo by Sarah East
A large group turned out for the opening reception of the Watauga Valley Art League’s Summer Art Show at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton.
Awards were announced Sunday, June 24, in the opening reception at the Summer Show at Sycamore Shoals Historic State Park, 1651 W. Elk Avenue in Elizabethton.
Photo by Sarah East
Elizabethton artist Turena Austin received an Award of Excellence for her painting, “George.”
The winners were:
Photo by Sarah East
Jim Stagner receives a People’s Choice Award for his painting, “Sunday Morning.”
Best in Show — “Depression Era Study #1” by Ken Simmelink, Elizabethton.
Photo by Sarah East
Patsy Reading received a People’s Choice award for her painting, “Nolichucky,” during the opening reception for the art show.
Second Place — “Snow Tires” by Jim Stagner, Johnson City.
Third Place — “Colors of Spring” by Diane Allen, Butler.
Photo by Sarah East
Eunice Deel won an Award of Excellence for her painting, “Requiem.”
Memorial Award — “The Coon Hunter” by Gary Chambers, Elizabethton.
Photo by Sarah East
Wayne Ritchie received an Honorable Mention award for his painting, “Peasant Farm Girl.”
The Awards of Excellence:
Award of Excellence — “Southern Beauty” by Jean Corbett, Unicoi.
Award of Excellence — “In Plein Aire” by Betty Stapleton, Jonesborough.
Award of Excellence — “George” by Turena Austin, Elizabethton.
Award of Excellence — “Requiem” by Eunice Deel, Johnson City.
Photo by Sarah East
Jonesborough resident Vera Tracy, left, and Johnson City resident Erma Gamble, right, admire paintings featured in the art show.
The Honorable Mentions:
Honorable Mention — “Long Shadows” by Barbara Carter, Greeneville.
Honorable Mention — “Tennessee Spring House” by Martha Erwin, Erwin.
Honorable Mention — “Tres Belles” by Sharon Neuhaus, Johnson City.
Honorable Mention — “Peasant Farm Girl” by Wayne Ritchie, Elizabethton.
Judge’s “Notable” Award:
“Come Walk with Me” by Nancy Jane Earnest, Johnson City.
Peoples’ Choice Awards:
“Sunday Morning” by Jim Stagner, Johnson City.
“Hillary and Harry” by Ken Simmelink, Elizabethton.
“Crockett’s Nolichucky” by Patsy K. Reading, Erwin.
In addition to the 61 paintings on the wall display that were judged, the rest of the room is covered with 34 member artists’ exhibits. You will find art in all kinds of media and style. If you missed the opening of the show on Sunday, the paintings will be on display until July 25, and most will be for sale. Artwork may be purchased at the park desk.
If you have questions about the show or the art league, call Patsy Kelley Reading at 743-7799 or visit the league website at www.watauga-valley-artists.com.
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The Watauga Valley Art League will hold its annual summer picnic Sunday, July 15, at Winged Deer Park in the Meredith Pavillion off Carroll Creek Road. Members are asked to bring a pot luck item of their choice. The League will provide the meat and the paper goods for the picnic.
Activities will begin a 9 a.m. with coffee and sweet rolls with the main meal being served from 1 to 2 p.m. League members will be painting bird houses for use in a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Unicoi.
For more information about the picnic, WVAL or the Bird House project, email Patsy Kelley Reading at readingourds@embarqmail.com or call her at 743-7799.
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