Art lovers showed some love this past Valentine’s Day weekend, flocking in to an inaugural Art on the Island judged show and sale of three-dimensional works by Vero Beach Art Club members.
The lovely Marsh Island Clubhouse was wall-to-wall people at Friday evening’s opening reception, with visitors trying to avoid the Friday the 13th disaster of knocking over one of the 105 creative works on display. The show continued on Valentine’s Day.
“The Art Club’s board of directors asked if there would be interest in a three-dimensional show and Joan and I offered to spearhead it,” said glass sculptor Sheila Vislocky, who co-chaired the successful undertaking with Joan Earnhart, a mixed-media assemblage artist.
“I just love glass; it’s my preferred medium,” said Sheila Vislocky, who works on the pieces summers in Seattle. She smiled as guests enthused at the colors and artistry of Angel Fish, one of her works.
“I’ve encouraged people by saying, ‘Show your heart with art,’ because tomorrow is Valentine’s Day,” said Vislocky, noting that artists were invited to submit up to three items for the judged show.
So as not to leave any club members out, Vislocky said 2-D artists were invited to complement their work with a three-dimensional aspect, adding, “We have some pretty creative pieces.”
The two-dimensional artists took on the challenge with enthusiasm, adding texture and objects to their painted works. “They’re painted, but with pizzazz,” agreed Earnhart.
“I’m really in awe of a lot of these three-dimensional works,” said 2-D artist Lila Blakeslee, who had beautifully bedazzled a stunning seascape painting.
“I was enchanted with our judge,” said Earnhart, referring to mixed media artist John Wilton from Deland, FL. Wilton determined winners in each of the seven categories, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Pottery, Jewelry, Glass, Fiber and 2-D with Pizzazz, plus Best in Show. Prize money was donated by the Robert E. and Lillian M. Becker Family Foundation.
“He was very generous with his time. He spoke about every piece in the show,” Earnhart added. “He went on and talked to us about what he saw in the pieces. By and large he had very positive things to say about the art. I’ve never had a judge be so giving.”
All visitors to the show were also encouraged to vote on their three favorite pieces to determine a Patron’s Choice award.
“It makes the patrons really study the art; to decide what they see and what they like,” explained Earnhart.
“You know, the art in this town is so great,” said Sheila Marshall as she made her way around the exhibits. “You can see it here with all the diversity.”
White Glove Moving and Storage assisted as an in-kind sponsor, taking out and later returning two truckloads of furniture from inside the Marsh Island Clubhouse.
“That’s huge!” said Earnhart, adding, “We were very lucky to get this venue. For all the work it took to get it off the ground, I’m tickled pink.”
