Judge picks acrylic painting as Westlake Library art show’s best

Juror Michael Farrar and artist Carolyn Hart chat at the Best Pick Art Show Aug. 1.

Bald Knob Artists president Katy Sulzman and member Diane McVaney discuss paintings during the art show in the community room of Westlake Library.

Sue Joyce and her award-winning art piece "Belles of Summer - Circa '42" is a pencil drawing of a photo of her mother-in-law and two friends at the beach. Joyce attended the event with husband Tom.

Bob Schafer reads the program at the Bald Knob Artists art show Aug. 1. His wife Jane won first place in the watercolor category.

Artist Phil Sheridan watches as the awards are announced.

Phil Sheridan took a photo of Linda Kay Jones and her mixed media art piece "Surprise." Jones exclaimed, "Oh!" when her name was called and the crowd erupted in laughter as she hurriedly grabbed her second-place ribbon.

Bald Knob members Larry Beard and Diane McVaney comment on artwork displayed at the group's Best Pick Art Show.

Ribbons displayed before winners are announced at the Best Pick Art Show presented by Bald Knob Artists.

Turn captions on

1 of 9

1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County

2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day

3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys

4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping

5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football

6. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust

7. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen

8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible

9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli

10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area

Laura Garcia | laura.garcia@smithmountainlaker.com

Friday, August 9, 2013

A large crowd of artists and art admirers gathered on Aug. 1 in the community room of the Westlake Library in Hardy for the Bald Knob Artists’ Best Pick Art Show. Mimi McHale was awarded Best in Show for her acrylic painting, “The Silk Road.”

The night kicked off with an opening ceremony and awards presentation. Local artists competed in seven categories — oil, watercolor, pastel, drawing, acrylic, mixed media and other.

Juror Michael Farrar of Clifton Forge said he believes there is a high level of talent in the area.

“There was a nice variety of work. It made judging a challenge,” Farrar told the crowd minutes before announcing the winners. “There probably could’ve been a best in show in every category.”

Farrar gave feedback to the winners on what he thought worked in their pieces. The use of contrasting orange sands and dark silhouette shadows of camels drew him to McHale’s winning piece, he said.

Lake-area residents had the opportunity to vote for their favorites out of the 51 entries to determine the People’s Choice Award. The voting ended Thursday.

The show is open during regular library hours through Aug. 30.

Monday, August 12, 2013