By Kathy L. Collins
Last month the Brandon League of Fine Arts announced the winners of ARTWORKS 2014 at Center Place in Brandon. ARTWORKS is open to the entire Tampa Bay community each year. It is a highly anticipated juried art show.
This year’s show featured 50 works of art. Sue Allen, Chairperson of ARTWORKS 2014 said, “This is an exceptionally fine art exhibition by some of the best artists in the Tampa Bay area. I recommend that everyone in the community stop by Center Place and see the artwork which will be on view now through the end of September.”
This year’s winners included Honorable Mention winners Jody MacNeil of Brandon, Carol Frye of Lakeland and Kathleen Durdin of Tampa. Third place went to Judy Strong of Lithia with her Orange Sunshine. Second Place went to Donna Morrison of Tampa with Spiny Lair. First place was awarded to Sonia Astifidis of New Port Richey with her classic painting, Zion Park.
This is the first time that Astifidis has entered ARTWORKS. Astifidis said of winning, “Even if I just win a ribbon, it is all about the recognition that people understand classic art.”
Astifidis grew up in Europe and learned to paint in the classical tradition. She continues to paint in this form even today at 71 years old. Astifidis chose her subject (Zion Park in Utah) because she said, “I love the subject and the colors. Not every place in Europe is as beautiful as places like this. I love America’s scenery.”
The judge for ARTWORKS 2014 was Debra Jo Radke, a Tampa based painter, printmaker and mixed media artist. Radke said of ARTWORKS 2014, “The process of jurying ARTWORKS 2014 was an adventure of the best kind. Each award was considered with much serious thought and was based on different responses including viewpoint, impact, seriousness, humor and overall happiness, light and color. Congratulations to all who participated in this juried exhibition.”
For more information, visit www.blfa.us or www.centerplacebrandon.org.
