Post-Show Rundown

What a weekend! Along with the absolutely brilliant weather that was kind enough to remain picturesque right until Monday, the show this year was fantastic. I hope everyone that visited us here in Kane enjoyed Art in the Wilds as much as we did (as much as the charming gentleman from Cleveland there!).

After the foul week leading up to the show, even with the remnants of the big mud puddle Evergreen Park was before hand, Saturday morning hit with a big breath of fresh air and warm sunshine. Nature's splendor surrounded the show while gorgeous art inspired by nature filled eager, wide eyes. I don't know about the rest of you, but I didn't have deep enough pockets to throw at this year's excellent artists to claim a piece of their talents.

This year we recognized our four award winners:

Best of Show 3D - Lana Heckendorn with her beautiful porcelain pottery
Best of Show 2D - Jack Paluh with his plein air paintings

And our two Awards of Excellence - Dan Sullivan with his glass-work jewelry and Lawrence Downey with his fine art photography.

Congratulations to all four artists!

In addition to the award winners, I would like to shine light on two artists new to the show this year; two artists that had visitors buzzing around their tents and exclaiming about their work all over the park.

Number one, Earl Martz! When I first saw pictures of his art and read the description, it didn't prepare me in the slightest when I finally saw them with my own two eyes. It really is a case of 3D not translating completely to 2D. A photograph does not do these gorgeous carvings justice. It was quite the task getting near enough to get a picture, there were so many people crowding his tent.

Number two, Carol McDonald! From what I witnessed and the way people were 'ooing' and 'ahhing' whenever they peered inside this particular tent, people were genuinely charmed by the artist's medium and then further lured by the incredible quality and detail in the art itself. Adults and children alike had to step in wide-eyed and grinning as they looked over every piece. Also, whichever lucky person purchased that prized giraffe, you were the envy of many visitors this weekend!

There will be a larger 'thank you' coming soon to all those that participated in this year's show though I personally want to thank everyone I met for being kind while I was awkward. You're all fantastic!

---

Mountain Lion Carving by Earl Martz

Works by Carol McDonald