By Kathy L. Collins
During the month of May, works of art from the talented members of the Brandon League of Fine Arts (BLFA) can be viewed in the Mook Gallery at Center Place in Brandon.
Chairman Christopher Klein, a resident of Lithia, said, “All of the works in the show are high quality. Even the judge commented on the high quality of the works in the show.”
The show was judged by Greg Manley, who teaches art at Armwood High School and is one of Center Place’s art instructors. Manley carefully and thoughtfully reviewed each piece and gave an insightful critique of the winners. There were 11 winners.
Taking first place was Douglas Steinbarger’s “Backwater Beauty.” Manley said of the piece, “Awesome pastel with a great use of color, detail and depth.”
Second place was awarded to Christopher Klein’s “Chance Meeting 2 Fools.” Manley said, “Very nice oil painting with great detail and fun subject matter for a still life.”
Third place was given to Carol Harrar’s “Zebra at Dusk.” Manley said, “Contemporary acrylic painting, nice use of color and composition.”
Two winners are awarded in the name of two BLFA members, the Minette Webster Award and the Chuck McLaughlin Award. The Minette Webster Award was special this year for the members of the BLFA because Webster, an artist, arts advocate and long time BLFA member, recently passed away. This award was given to Anne Drewery for her acrylic piece “The Magi.” The Chuck McLaughlin Award went to Jacqueline Ann Schembri’s “Mountain Lake,” a miniature watercolor.
Rounding out the winners were four honorable mentions which went to Sue Allen for her “Pinot Noir,” a watercolor; Charley Hufstetler’s “On Guard,” an unstained natural wood construction; Randy Matthews’ “Blue Heron In Flight,” a photograph; and Roxanne Tobaison’s “Shadow Dancers,” a watercolor.
The BLFA meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Center Place located at 619 Vonderberg Dr. in Brandon. A free “Paint It/Take It” is offered before each meeting from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
For more information on the BLFA, visit www.blfa.us.
