VERO BEACH — Everyone involved appeared to be of one accord in declaring this weekend’s Under the Oaks Fine Arts and Crafts Show at Riverside Park, hosted by the Vero Beach Art Club, to be the very best yet in its 62 year history.
Artists and visitors alike gave it glowing reviews – from the outstanding quality of the works to the absolutely picture perfect weather – it all came together perfectly.
The show continues Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s fabulous,” said Helen Robertson. “There is some really, really great art, and pottery and jewelry. This is my favorite of all the shows. You’re in for a treat.”
Her only advice to anyone looking to attend Saturday or Sunday was, “Wear comfortable shoes!”
Excitement was high among those Art Club members fortunate to be exhibiting at the show, as well as the artists who hailed from around the country.
Patrons were equally enthusiastic, including Carol Kanarak who shared, “Most of the paintings we have in our house are from this show. You can find beautiful art here; exceptional pieces; things you don’t find elsewhere.”
“Oh Wow!” was the comment frequently heard outside the booth of first time exhibitor Eric Chi from California. First impressions were of photography, but the remarkable works were actually fine silk thread, hand stitched on silk fabric. The resultant embroidery was of strikingly realistic art, such as puffs of feathers on chicks.
“I’m from Texas and so I immediately came over to see her work; they’re really neat,” said Gallery 14 artist Lila Blakeslee, remarking on the decorative ceramic pieces created by Texas artist Nancy Michael Susaneck.
“They’re slab built,” said Susaneck. “I use embossed metals and build collages with found objects and beads. I treat the vessels and boxes like canvasses and layer upon them.”
Michigan resident Sally Bright Fenton, who returned after a 20 year hiatus, drew crowds of astonished viewers with stunning basketry sculptures woven out of palm and rattan – enormous, colorful and indescribably beautiful.
“In my humble opinion, the artwork at this show eclipses all the work in prior shows,” said kinetic sculpture artist George Beckman. “I participate in shows all over the country and this one consistently should be in the top ten in the country.”
Commenting on this year’s particularly noteworthy selection, Sue Dinenno said, “We had a new jury this year, looking at potential artists with fresh eyes. About 20 percent are new artists this year.”
A field of 750 applicant artists was juried by a panel of five professionals who rated works within their specific areas of expertise – artist names concealed to ensure impartiality – and narrowed the field to 205 participants.
“There are just so many new things; I think it’s great. I think it’s the best show I’ve seen in the five years since I’ve been doing it,” said Rita Zigler. “The amount of new diverse work here is just amazing.”
“The quality is just outstanding,” said Ed Uttridge of the show in general. “They should be so proud of what they’ve been able to do. The talent they’re attracting is impressive.”
“I love it. I wish we could do it every month, but of course then it wouldn’t be Under the Oaks,” said jewelry artist Aurora Jurado, another first time exhibitor. “I think there’s something here for everyone. I hope I get to do it every year.”
