Van Buren art competition includes 25 artists, 67 entries

Center for Art and Education in Van Buren held its 37th annual adult art competition with 67 entries from 25 artists. Art lovers enjoyed a variety of artistic styles, subjects, and mediums.

Works were pleasing to the eyes with the different creative mixes of art. The opening reception began at 1 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 8) with about 75 attending the 2 p.m. award ceremony.

The competition was open to adults 18 and over. Each artist had the chance to enter three works. The art work had to be original and must have been executed in the last two years and not previously exhibited in the Center For Art and Education Adult Artist Competition. Height plus width of finished work could not exceed 80 inches (including frame). Works could be in transparent watercolor, oil, acrylic, graphics, mixed media, and found object.  Artwork was not separated out into categories.

Awards given out were the Richard and Helen Hodo Juror's Choice $500, 1st place $250, 2nd place $150, 3rd place $100, and other special awards were presented.

Danny Wilfong was surprised he won. He knew his work "would be different enough and that it would either be liked or hated." Wilfong began painting seriously 35 years ago. He has worked with a variety of media, but he now likes abstract. He chose to enter three of his abstract art works, all of which placed.

"Abstract art is fun and challenging.  It's nice to have a challenge, Wilfong said, adding that he does not like to be limited to size, shape, or color.  

Wilfong moved back to the Van Buren area two years ago after living in Oklahoma and Mississippi.

He will show his art in January at the Center for Art and Education. It's "Old School – New Beginnings" and will feature work when he first began to paint and some recent works. It will show "where he's been and where he's going." His goal is to show his portfolio around and get in some galleries and do more competing.

Cathy Mason has started using new forms of art and pushing herself to the limit with her paints. Her 3-D iris painting allowed her to use her acrylic sculpting paint she invented.

"It's new and not even on the market yet," Mason explained "It allows you to not have an underlying form and gives your art a 3-D look."

She worked on the paint for four years before perfecting it to her liking.

The art will be on display through Sept. 27. Some of the pieces are also up for sale.

Winners:
Richard and Helen Hodo Juror's Choice Award – Jason Sacran – "Days End"
1st Place – Danny Wilfong – "Untitled"
2nd Place – Kay Aclin – "When the Wind Blows"
3rd Place – Jeanette Foreman – "Boxley Valley Barn
Doris Echols Color Award – Danny Wilfong – "Untitled"
Carolyn Holmes Perspective Award – James Fair – "Central Park Reservoir"
Ethel Ashley Founders Award – Jason Sacran – "Backroad"
Alice Adele Boatwright Award – Architectural – James Connor – "Head Shot"
Amie Fellwock Watercolor Award – Paula Rupp – "What is She Looking At"
Helen Hallum Pastel Award – Julie Mayser – "Autumn Melody"
Mildred U Peck Acrylic Award – Fred Cousins – "Parting the Morning Fog"
Abstract Award – Danny Wilfong – "Untitled"