By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Things don’t always go according to plan, to say the least. And as with other events scheduled in October, the opening reception for the West Pasco Art Guild’s Centennial Showcase had to be scuttled for a couple of weeks due to Hurricane Milton.
The rescheduled event held on Sunday, October 20, at the West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery in downtown NPR, could be counted as a silver-lining type re-launch for the city’s celebration. One that continues this week with a Masquerade Ball that sold out early on, and a two-day fest held in and around Sims Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27.
Photo | Michele Miller
The Centennial Showcase offered a fine spread for snacking along with a flavor for some of the local scenery that was captured in various mediums. A favorite subject, of course, were renderings of the Hacienda Hotel and The Richey Suncoast Theatre, famed landmarks that came to be a few years after the city incorporated in 1924 .
But it was a piece that captured a more off-the-beaten-path landscape that earned top honors, from juror, Sarah Uys.
First prize went to Susan Huskey for her entry titled, “Storm Brewing at James E Grey Preserve” a moody piece that might capture a similar moment for those who’ve ever trekked a local nature trail as afternoon storm clouds build in the skies.
“This piece achieves authenticity and balance. It shows the real, untamable Florida in a way reminiscent of the Highwaymen. A striking, pleasing, balanced composition, its looseness juxtaposed with the rhythm, contrast, and perspective make it stunning,” wrote Uys in her announcement.
About the artwork – “Storm Brewing at James E Grey Preserve”
This is a monoprint made by creating a design on plexiglass with printer’s ink which is transferred to paper by running it through a hand press. Susan used an inky rag to gently form the clouds. Tree trunks were stamped with rollers and scrapers, and palm fronds were painted with brushes, then scratched into the ink for details. The artist rolled ink in the foreground, then developed grasses and textures using rags and scrapers. Once Susan was satisfied with the design, she ran it through the press. Each monoprint is one-of-a-kind a unique original numbered 1/1.
Mentions went to Carol Spicuglia for her oil painting, Marilyn Wescott for her Plein Air watercolor painting of the Hacienda Hotel, and Fran Gantner for her watercolor painting for the new “Welcome to New Port Richey” sign on Main Street.
“This is the first time I’ve entered,” a teary-eyed Gantner said, as she collected her ribbon, noting later that she started taking classes at the art guild after retiring about a year ago.
If you go” The Centennial Showcase is presently on exhibit at the West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery, 6206 Jefferson Street in downtown New Port Richey.
For those interested in taking classes or exhibiting artwork, visit the West Pasco Art Guild & Gallery website.
Call to Artists!!
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