Artists and Writers Awarded at 13th Annual Artfest opening
Artists and Writers Awarded at 13th Annual Artfest opening
The 13th Annual Artfest 55, featuring the work of regional writers and artists aged 55 and older, opened Friday, June 24th at Creative 360. The exhibit features the work of more than 100 visual artists and writers from across the state.
“Artfest 55 is a very popular exhibition and this one features remarkable work,” said Colleen Reed, Creative 360’s program director and curator. “We had nearly 200 art and writing submissions from all over Michigan. Entries were strong in all categories and that makes for a truly compelling show.”
Jurist for the Visual Arts was Donovan Entrekin, Director of the Art School at the Flint Institute of Arts. Jurists for the written work in the exhibit were writers Jim Crissman, a previous Artfest 55 poetry and memoir winner, and Sarah Yoder and Luana Russell, both Midland Public School teachers who are now retired.
Winners were announced in the following categories:
Writing: Best Poetry – “At the Barber Shop” by Karla Cooper from Midland.
Best Memoir – “The Mist of Memories” by Kip Cosan from Mt. Pleasant.
Best Short Story – “Sakura Snow” by Nancy Renko from Gladwin.
Visual Arts: Best Photography – “In the Round” by Marilyn Soules from Midland.
Best Two-Dimensional Art – “Two on the Beach”, oil on linen panel by Pricilla Olson from Midland.
Best Three-Dimensional Art – “Putin’s Pandemic Pogram”, mixed media by James MaloneBeach.from Mt. Pleasant.
Best in Show – “Moon Goddess”, assemblage/collage by JoAnn Pobocik from Midland.
Honorable mentions included Mike Buller for “Little Annie” –photography, Roger Reichmann (Midland) for “The American Way” –assemblage, Pamela Hart (Midland) “Here Comes the Sun” –ceramic, Alan Maciag (Midland) “Ready for Storage” –oil on canvas, Don Bennett (Freeland) “Diss –Ease” – acrylic, Carol Lilly-Lacca (Haslet) “End of Summer” –watercolor, Carol Speltz (Midland) “Menage a Trois” -watercolor.
The work will be on display through August 21st and, like all of Creative 360’s gallery shows, is free and open to the public. The artwork can also be viewed on Creative 360’s online gallery at https://becreative360.org/13th-annual-artfest-55-gallery-2022/. Many of the works on display are available for purchase. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. Call for weekend hours – 989-837-1885.