The 33rd annual Art by the Sea Exhibition, presented by the Vero Beach Art Club at the Vero Beach Museum of Art Holmes Great Hall, had a decidedly different feel this year. For one thing, artists were allowed to enter two pieces of artwork, rather than one.
But the greatest change in the three-day show came during the Friday evening reception, which is generally a packed affair of upwards of 800 viewers and artists. Attendance this year, everyone dutifully masked except for quick photos, was a mere fraction of that.
“We didn’t even know for sure that we could have a show until Tuesday,” said Judy Rixom, event co-chair with Sherry Haaland.
“It’s been touch and go with the museum and the COVID situation. And because of COVID, we had to reduce the number of people. We usually send out invitations, and we couldn’t this year, because we had to keep our numbers down to 100,” said Rixom, noting that the museum security was keeping count as people entered.
Artists, other than those helping out, were asked not to come to the reception this year.
“If they showed up tonight, like they usually do for the awards, nobody else could come. So, we’ve asked them to please not come tonight. They can come all day Saturday or Sunday, but not tonight,” said Rixom.
“We usually have heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine, and we were not allowed to have that either because of COVID. So, we were under some restrictions, but we still wanted to put the show on, especially since we didn’t have one last year.”
Additionally, in prior years, winning artists received their awards during the reception, but this year, Haaland said they would be picking them up over the weekend.
Sue Dinenno suggested having a few volunteers wear hats or fascinators this year, identifying them as knowledgeable artists who could assist potential buyers.
“A lot of people are insecure about their art knowledge, and they might really like something, but they need somebody else to talk to them and validate their feelings. So that’s really what we’re here to do, and then help them make the purchase,” Dinenno explained.
“I think the show is spectacular. I think there’s some of the best work here I’ve ever seen, anywhere. I’m shocked at the quality of the work this year,” said assemblage artist Joan Earnhart.
One reason, they thought, was that the past couple of years afforded artists extra time to work on their artwork.
“I lived in my studio for a whole year. My husband and I didn’t go anywhere, didn’t do anything,” said Earnhart, adding with a smile, “I loved every minute of it.”
“It’s always fun to come to this show and see the range of creativity in Vero Beach. The different mediums that people use and the way they put different things together that I would never think of doing. And I think that’s what creativity is; getting outside the box,” said Suzi McCoy Shriner.
“It reflects a wide range of interests and experiences,” agreed Barbara Ruddy, who was intrigued by Gregory Ingerson’s fascinating mixed media work, “Jovial Jester.”
Referencing the People’s Choice award, which would be announced at the end of the show on Sunday, Ruddy said, “He gets my vote.”
I think she might get my vote. It’s perfect Vero Beach,” said Shriner, referencing Susan Bayard Whiting’s sweet beachside oil painting, “Madonna and Daughters.”
“I think it takes a lot of courage to display your work in public,” added Shriner. She noted that while she has her own work on display in her home, “to bring it out in public and put a price tag on it takes courage.”
Independent judge Catherine Bergmann, curatorial director of the Dunedin Fine Art Center, selected this year’s winners.
A portion of the proceeds from each sale supports the Vero Beach Art Club and its educational outreach programs, including scholarships for high school seniors and donations of art supplies to local elementary and middle schools and various art classes.
Photos by Kaila Jones
