Valley art enthusiasts were treated to a break recently from the bad weather and got to see some outstanding artwork, as Valley Art Association hosted its Annual ‘Fall Carriage Art Show.’

Conducted at the Gene Bianchi Community Center in Oakdale on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 and 19, the Association presented the event in partnership with the City of Oakdale, as well as the Oakdale Tourism and Visitor Bureau.

According to area artist and Association member, Vonnie Muniain, past years the event was hosted in the fall. This year, however, the City and Tourism group offered the space to the art organization free of charge if they wished to give spring a try.

“As far as attendance, we had a lot more visitors this year than last,” Muniain said, noting that the event initially began in a Carriage House located at a members’ home, hence the name.

Muniain shared artist attendance was down slightly due to road and weather conditions. A total of 160 pieces of art from varying mediums were displayed throughout the community center.

“This year oil and acrylics were the most popular, which is usually the largest,” she said. “Our mixed media has grown and sculpture has grown.

“We added the western category when we moved to Oakdale,” she continued. “So that has grown this year as well.”

Awards given for submissions included: Corrie Vanderhelm-Davis of Escalon, Carriage Painting Award; Eliseo Contreras Vazquez of Riverbank, Second Place Oil and Acrylic; and Vonnie Muniain of Oakdale, Third Place Graphics, First and Third Place for Sculpture.

For additional information on the Valley Art Association and upcoming events contact Muniain at (209) 840-8058.