By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Local Artists Stage Award Winning Show
36576a.jpg
36576a
An oil painting of a cliff face with multicolored rock strata resembling waterfalls was judged the Best of Show in the Valley Art Association's new show. Titled "Ribbon of Light" it was the work of artist Henrietta Sparkman of Modesto.

Sparkman and other first place winners in five categories were honored in a reception held Friday evening in the Riverbank City Council chambers.

Judged by Nancy Kern, who teaches art at both Oakdale High School and Columbia College, the works were put on display in the chambers for the public to see that evening when there was also a concert playing in the Plaza del Rio opposite City Hall. The top winners will remain on display in the chambers for the next few weeks.

Sparkman also took top honors for a pastel of two birds, one feeding the other titled "Mater Amour" and other first places went to Carol Earle in the graphics and mixed media category for a close-up of "The Piano Player"; Barbara Gill Salerno for a watercolor of soft blue, green and yellow hues titled "Lavender Farms" and Vonnie Muniain for the only sculpture entry of a horse standing cross legged and titled "Crossin Over."

Sparkman is a retired art teacher who has belonged to the VAA for several years. Kern commented she guessed Sparkman's winning entry was based on a scene in Yosemite Valley.

VAA officer Earle announced the show drew 26 entries.

First through third place and honorable mentions by category were as follows:

Oil and acrylic - Sparkman "Ribbon of Light," John Lenhart "Happier Times," Lenhart "Bayou Autumn," three honorable mentions, Janet Spooner "Plenty of Fruit," Ethel Kalbach "Peaceful Pasture" and Jay Osborne "Sundown at Sea."

Water media - Salerno "Lavender Farms," Bertalee James "Geisha," and Earle "Spring Tulips."

Pastels - Sparkman "Mater Amour," Eva Williams "Pretty in Pink," Kalbach "Golden Iris" and Margo Flanagan "Italian Princess."

Graphics and mixed media - Earle "The Piano Player,' Marilyn Zinner "Suzy's World," Salerno "Amethyst Moon" and Zinner "Spirit Blossom."

Sculpture -Muniain "Crossing Over."