The Fine Arts Show for 2017 had a total of 135 paintings and drawings displayed
by the students as well as instructors. The attendance was very good with a steady
flow of visitors throughout the four hours making the show an encouragement to all
the participants.
The judge for this year’s show was Matt Sterbenz, a native of Phoenix. He has
participated in some of the nation’s top plein air painting invitational events, including
the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art and the Sedona Pl ein Air Festival. Matt was an
invited member of the teaching faculty at the 2016 Plein Air Convention and Expo in
Tucson, Arizona. His work has appeared in publications including Plein Air Magazine,
and Southwest Art Magazine.
We appreciated his willingness to not only judge our show on Friday, but to
return Saturday and visit with each of the participants to discuss their individual
paintings and drawings. His critique of each piece of art work was invaluable and
presented in such a gracious manner so as to encourage the artists to better themselves in
their future work.
First Place Winners in each category
Beginners: Connie Dugan, “Portrait with Sage”
Intermediate Watercolor: Luella Wald, “Spring Rain”
Intermediate Charcoal/Pencil: Jean Olson, “Bird on Cactus"
Intermediate Mixed Media: Coni Kiernan, “City Walk”
Advanced Oil: Kay Norberg, “Hillside in Autumn”
Advanced Watercolor: Marie Kline, “Iris”
Advanced Mixed Media/Acrylic: Jennifer Prest, “Frosty Morning”
Semi-Pro: Becky DeFord, “Roses with Buds”.