The Vero Beach Art Club once again took art to a new dimension at its third annual Art on the Island 3-Dimensional Art Exhibition and Sale last weekend, a judged, members-only show that featured 138 works of art.
The Marsh Island Clubhouse was a hub of activity throughout the three-day event, beginning with a full-house cocktail reception Friday evening where attendees mingled with the artists and were treated to wonderful music by harpist Gretchen Cover and classical guitarist Miguel Bonachea.
Members could enter two pieces of artwork, completed within the last two years and not previously exhibited at the 2016 Art by the Sea or Art on the Island show. A percentage of each sale will support the Vero Beach Art Club and its educational outreach programs, including scholarships for high school seniors and donations of art supplies to elementary and middle schools and various local art classes.
Susan Gancher, First Place-winner in the jewelry division, said she began making jewelry at age 18 quite by accident. The former NYU English major would often hang out in a friend’s jewelry store and one day he told her, “I’m putting you to work.” It became a labor of love for more than 50 years.
“There are moments when you are absolutely with God while creating a piece,” said Gancher. “It’s an amazing thing when you can spend your life doing what you love.”
Show chair Rae Marie Crisel said she joined the art club for the camaraderie among artists after moving to Vero Beach four years ago. “We have a wonderful art community here, but I was also drawn to the community service aspect of the club, especially the art education and scholarships for students.”
Melbourne artist Jini James, an independent judge to ensure impartiality, had the difficult task of selecting winners from among the vastly different pieces of 3-dimensional art, which included sculpture, mixed media, pottery, glass, wood or fiber, jewelry and 2-D with Pizzazz. The last category opened up the competition for those members who typically work on canvas, with many venturing into bas-relief to add another dimension.
“The artists increased the 3-dimensionality in their pieces this year,” shared Crisel.
Gregory Ingerson took First Place and Best of Show for his mixed media piece “Pin Point,” using texture and patterns to take the level of dimensionality in his work to new depths.
The next big event for the Vero Beach Art Club is the 66th annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts & Crafts Show the weekend of March 10-12 at Riverside Park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.