This year marked the inception of what we hope will become an iconic tradition in Vancouver — The Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. And let me tell you, it truly was a splendid initiation!
The sprawling grounds were an amalgamation of arts, music, and creativity. The central attractions, without a doubt, were the art exhibitions, where many of our Society of Washington Artists members proudly showcased their talent. The festival was not just an event; it was a testament to the burgeoning art scene in Vancouver, and a clear indicator of the thriving artistic community that we have nurtured.
The Art Shows: A Feast for the Eyes
The Regional Art Show, predominantly featuring local artists, was an expansive canvas of 169 distinctive artworks. The National Art Show at the Hilton Hotel elegantly displayed 43 pieces. From contemporary abstracts to traditional landscapes, both shows embodied the pulse of the art community. The representation of the Society of Washington Artists' members was especially prominent. In terms of sales, the enthusiasm was palpable, with artworks garnering a collective sum of just under $10K.
Recognizing the Best: The Awards
Judging art, especially when the caliber is so high, is no simple task. Our esteemed judges, Susan Kuznitsky for 2-Dimensional work and Chas Martin for 3-Dimensional pieces faced this daunting challenge head-on. Judging was done "blind", ensuring utmost fairness and objectivity, relying solely on preview images and the in-person artwork.
The accolades celebrated the creme de la creme in various categories. Here are the proud winners and honorable mentions:
Vancouver Arts and Music Festival's Regional Art Show Awards
Best in Show Steven McCarthy - Cello
Landscape/Cityscape
1st Lisa Raymer – The Cart
2nd Virginia Bittler – Peace on the Canal
3rd Abhisar Gupta – Seven Cardinals
HM Ed Martin - Kona Nightlife
HM Lisa Raymer – More Rain Forecast
HM Leslie Struxness – True Colors
Still Life/Floral
1st Virginia Bittler – Yellow Peonies
2nd Mary Emert - Peony
3rd Judith Howard - Sunshine
HM Peggy Patton – Autumn Duo
HM Sue Tellock - Summer Night Sky
HM Mary Emert - Blooming
Wildlife/Animals
1st Blue Bond - Teamwork
2nd Chris Briggs - Resilience
3rd Leslie Struxness – Underwater Wonders
HM Sally Lemon – It’s The Bobcat
HM Lori Holliday - Mooney Blues
HM Mary Emert – Blue Cat Blues
Abstract/Non-objective
1st Joan Cavallaro – First Light
2nd Phillip Vourvoulis – Circle of Life - 2021
3rd Katey Sandy - Abstract Landscape #1
HM Allen Oliver – Rumors of War
HM Renee Bryant – Tangerine Dream
HM Joan Cavallaro - Macaw
Portrait/Figures
1st Blue Bond – Cuban Cigar Lady
2nd Richard Ferguson - Medusa
3rd Michael Lindberg – Portrait Study in Vermillion – Over The Shoulder
HM Earlene Holmstrom – Tommy Emerging
HM Marian Neumann – Chief At The Round-up
HM Lisa Raymer – The Smoker
Regional 3-Dimensional
1st Stephen Walter – Untitled #1
2nd Teri Fehrendorf – Crow Shaman
3rd Arnold Schwantz – Is That You?
HM Linda Kliewer – Black Geranium
HM Cheryl Hazen - Elephants
Vancouver Arts and Music Festival's National Art Show Awards
BEST IN SHOW Ann Fleming – Midori Spring
National 2-D Show
1st Wendy Davis – C’est La Vie
2nd Christopher Mooney – Cleveland Bridges
3rd Deborah Morales – Bunny Foo Foo
HM Ann Fleming – Long Afternoon
HM Claudia Chapman – Sea Dance
National 3-Dimensional
1st Phillip Vourvoulis – Blue Illusion
2nd Richard Britscghi – Desert Scorpion
3rd Phillip Vourvoulis – Cosmic Amoebas
HM Kenneth Meyer – Dawn Patrol
HM Richard Britscghi - Mosquito
A Word of Thanks
A hearty shout-out to all the members of the Society of Washington Artists who took part, volunteered their time, and ensured things ran smoothly. Your dedication, hours committed, and especially the community spirit was instrumental in the success of this mammoth event. We also extend our gratitude to all members who volunteered at the festival. Without your unwavering support and dedication, this inaugural event wouldn’t have been possible.
As we wrap up our reflections on this grand event, let us remember the essence of the festival — celebration. A celebration of art, talent, community, and collective achievement. Here's to many more years of artistic excellence and community bonding!
Created by Angela Swanson, SWA Member, and Webmaster
