Annual fall art show draws entries, audience

From paintings to stained glass, photography to sculpture, there were plenty of pieces to look at during the Oak Valley Art Society’s annual Fall Art Show, hosted Oct. 18 and 19 at the Escalon Library. Photo By Marg Jackson

Art1 — From paintings to stained glass, photography to sculpture, there were plenty of pieces to look at during the Oak Valley Art Society’s annual Fall Art Show, hosted Oct. 18 and 19 at the Escalon Library. Photo By Marg Jackson

With more than 75 total entries – in a variety of categories – and a lot of visitors turning out to see the works, the Oak Valley Art Society Fall Art Show was a success.

Serving as the judge this year was Henrietta Sparkman and OVAS President and Show Chairman Evelyn Cooper said there were 27 artists with works submitted.

“I think because the seniors go to classes during the year and then we have two shows, in the spring and in the fall, they have a chance to show what they made,” Cooper said of what makes the show popular.

Her favorite medium to work in is photography and she had some pieces entered in the show as well.

Doug Kolsters is the OVAS Vice President and handled the show set up. Treasurer Linda Gentry coordinated the show finances and food, while Secretary Peggy Nielsen took care of the show programs and certificates.

Winning the Art – Best in Show award was Rey Varela, with his piece, “Fantasy Fish.”

It is a soapstone carving and Varela, who has lived in Escalon for 17 years, has been carving for decades.

“About 30 years for soapstone carving,” Varela explained.

He previously worked as a carver for a soapstone gallery in Angels Camp and this was his first time displaying any pieces at the OVAS show.

“I hoped I would win something,” he admitted, but added he was surprised with the Best In Show honor.

He heard about the art show, sat in on an OVAS meeting and was able to submit some pieces.

“I just like to do it,” Varela said of carving, “and most of the things that I carve, I do it for me.”

The Best In Show for Photography went to Bob Eriksen for “The Rock” and taking home the People’s Choice Awards – which were voted on during the show – were Bob Eriksen, Photography, “Capitola Beach” and co-winners in the Painting category were Steve Park, “Oak Shadows” and Doreen Bonta, “Winter Retreat.”

First place winners by category in the show were as follows:

Oil & Acrylic: Scapes (Land/City) – Steve Park, “Oak Shadows”

Oil & Acrylic: Scapes (Sea) – Carol Earle, “Haystack Rock”

Oil & Acrylic: Still Life – Jamie Showers, “21st Century Archeology”

Oil & Acrylics: Portraits – Silvia Cazarin, “Majestic Horse”

Watermedia – Jamie Showers, “Kitchen Commotion”

Soft Pastel – Carol Earle, “Peonies”

Graphics – Rey Varela, “Diana”

Mixed Media – Marilyn Zinner, “At Home”

Sculpture/3 Dimensional/Miscellaneous – Rey Varela, “Fetish Bear”

Paintings Over Two Years Old – Richard Jones, “The Falls”

Photography – Suzanne Friedman, “Sacred Courage”