Rock Spring Art Show

Sept. 17-Oct. 29, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS to all the exhibitors in the 2024 show. This year is not unlike years prior, when our judges are quite literally blown away by the talent of the artists in this region. This year’s show was judged by two regional artists and art enthusiasts. 

Anna Buchanan serves as the curator of contemporary fine art and craft at the William King Museum of Art (WKMA) in Abingdon, Virginia. She has served WKMA for 5 years and has been working in museums for 12 years taking on various roles such as exhibition preparator, docent, gallery assistant, and assistant curator. Buchanan loves engaging in her regional, artistic community and can be seen frequenting regional galleries and talking to local artisans. Buchanan is an artist herself with an emphasis drawing. As a contemporary draftswoman, Buchanan received her BFA from Alma College in Alma, MI, and her MFA from Clemson University in Clemson, SC.

Amanda Slaughter is a tourism professional and has worked for Virginia Tourism Corporation for 16 years, with the last 6 as the Tourism Relations Manager at the Virginia Welcome Center at Rocky Gap. Amanda is a strong proponent of the creative culture of our region, serving on boards that support and promote the arts including ‘Round the Mountain and Forge Appalachia. Amanda herself is a self-taught metalsmith, a juried member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, and is currently learning the wisdom tradition of Appalachian ribbed basketry.

THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR'S ART SHOW SPONSORS

Judges' Comments:

• Acrylic
  • 3rd Place: We loved the concept behind this work. I kept coming back to it wondering what this young girl's story is. After reading your artist statement, I had a deeper meaning of this piece and the concept is beautiful. You have an eye for capturing faces. I would love to see more detail in the outlines of the figures as well as the chair by adding darker values – otherwise, this is very stunning work – I can’t wait to see what you continue to create. This subject could be a whole series of paintings. Original. Creative. Beautifully imagined.
    • Title: Inner Child
    • Artist: Hannah Anderson
  • 2nd Place: The way that you apply the paint and allow us as the viewers to see your brush strokes implies a sense of movement. As if this woman is moving with the music. You captured an amazing moment of someone doing what they love. Your composition is excellent! I would love to see more definition in the side of the face, otherwise, you’ve captured the features so well. Beautiful work! The emotion pours out of her expression. Very lovely painting
    • Title: Make a Joyful Noise
    • Artist: Debbie Culler
  • 1st Place: This was one of those pieces that we kept coming back to. It sparked conversations and stories of places we’ve been to, hiked through, and had adventures. We could feel the summer heat and the coolness of the shade as we stared at this work. You captured the essence of this moment and this place so well. This piece speaks to all of my senses as if I’m a part of this day. The shadows, light, and colors are perfection.
    • Title: Canoes in the Woods
    • Artist: Sarah Booze

• Oil
  • 3rd Place: Looks like a photograph, beautiful work. As an Appalachian – my Mamaw always told me the story of the cardinal – just as you described. Your piece is relatable in this way. I would love to see more details within the leaves on this piece – it certainly reminds me of fall
    • Title: The Visitor
    • Artist: Cheryl Sterling
  • 2nd Place: Beautiful composition and nice use of colors! I love that you chose to focus on one branch and zoom in on the delicate flowers. The colors you use in the background provide depth and make me feel as if I am among the dogwood branch.
    • Title: Pink Dogwood in Moonlight
    • Artist: Sandra Brady
  • 1st Place: The lighting is incredible! This piece has an air of mystery to it, almost like Alice in Wonderland. We felt like there was an ambiguous note to this piece as if each viewed could use the door to step into a new adventure. Truly Stunning work – Magic in the ordinary
    • Title: Tarnished
    • Artist:   Donald Towns

• Watercolor
  • 3rd Place: You capture the essence of fall and the perspective of the image well. Great use of the texture and contrasting colors. I would love to see you push some darker values in the foreground but I love the colors you chose. Beautiful use of composition & color
    • Title: Canaan Maple
    • Artist: Greg Arens
  • 2nd Place: This is a beautiful landscape that we kept coming back to. The detail in the cars, the lights reflecting on the highway, it’s stunning. I’d love to see more texture in the foreground other than that you captured the landscape and the mood very well. The moodiness of this piece is captured perfectly. The headlights and taillights reflected in the fog are inspiring
    • Title: Pilot Mountain
    • Artist: Julie Gammons
  • 1st Place: Beautiful piece with a beautiful story behind the inspiration. Lovely composition. Emotional. Great use of perspective! You normally don’t get to see birds from this angle. I loved reading the story that went along with this. One of the judges remarked:  As a young woman who is not able to have children herself, I knew exactly what this piece was about when I first saw it. Your art makes people feel less alone. Very powerful. Keep making work.
    • Title: Bluebird Life Cycle
    • Artist: Carla Krietsch

• Drawing
  • 3rd Place: Bridging the gap between math & art – lovely
    • Title: A Nod to Escher
    • Artist: Jon Handy
  • 2nd Place: The message of this image is so powerful and there is absolutely a longing in the child’s eyes. I love the textures that were created and the emotional impact of the hands gripping the wooden railing. Beautiful, powerful work. Emotions are captured in the eyes. Very moving without the story, beautiful details.
    • Title: Wish I Could Come Out & Play
    • Artist: Lisa Garrett
  • 1st Place: Your piece is so detailed that it becomes easy to meditate on every individual flower – The tiniest details in this drawing coupled with the choice of a black background are exquisite. I love the detail of the imperfections – the holes in the leaves, the bent stems, the decaying peals. This piece sends a beautiful message just as your zinnia did and by capturing them in such detail, you have allowed that message to be passed on to others.
    • Title: Ageless Beauty
    • Artist: Linda Park

• 2D/Mixed Media  & 3D
  • 3rd Place: This piece offers a very sweet message to the viewer. I love the little details of the jewelry. Lovely, inspired work. Feels intentional, even in the smallest details.
    • Title: Worth Her Weight in Gold
    • Artist: Jan Atkins
  • 2nd Place: A very heartwarming way to honor your furbaby! We looked for the nose print & spent a long time looking at the details. A very lovely alter to your pal Jack, brought some good memories of my own pals back.
    • Title: Day of the Dead Alter for Jack
    • Artist: Rebecca Adcock
  • 1st Place: Visually and emotionally striking. Knowing the thoughts and process behind this work…I have no words. They say as humans we ourselves are vessels. We carry secrets, love, children, emotions, burdens, etc. I am always attracted to vessels because of this – as representations of the things we carry. I cannot imagine sitting down to make a vessel that I myself might be inside. This is a very powerful piece. I cannot imagine your thoughts and your emotions as you created this and reconciled with your diagnosis. Congratulations on being cancer free! Please keep making work.
    • Title: Copper Matte Temple Jar
    • Artist: David Lunt

• Textiles 
  • 3rd Place: Outstanding piece. Craftmanship, colors, execution! We loved reading the story behind this piece. Marking something special with your husband in the middle of COVID while also having just gotten married is heartwarming. Beautiful composition.
    • Title: LOVE
    • Artist: Leslie Marsh
  • 2nd Place: This was such a fun piece to engage with. I loved learning about the inspiration behind this piece and the fact that you included your thought process and materials was fabulous! : Lovely knitting and the included framed process made it extra amazing. Nice touch
    • Title: Singing Steamer
    • Artist: Sandra Brady
  • 1st Place: Incredible way to turn a traditional craft into something that feels contemporary. People often think that there is a distinction between fine art and craft in a way that makes craft seem ‘lesser than’ I completely disagree with this notion and your work is a testament to the conceptual nature that can come with craft just as much as fine art. A friend once told me “good art makes people thing – great art changes your mind” you made great art and I hope you continue to do so.
    • Title: Labyrinth Walk
    • Artist: Charlotte Gardner
• Glass
  • 3rd Place: Your piece is very Art Deco and I am so glad that you included that in your artist statement. Form your color choice, to the pearls, I can see your intention and how it relates to your inspiration. Lovely piece.
    • Title: Pearl
    • Artist: Kelly Stanley
  • 2nd Place: This piece is so fun and creative! Art should be fun! I instantly thought of Michael Godard, I am so glad you mentioned him in your artist statement
    • Title: Relaxing at Desert Sunset
    • Artist: Steve Eanes
  • 1st Place: Beautiful use of shapes & color. Love the symmetry combined with the agate slice in the center that added a diverse compositional element. The presentation of this piece in the style of a gong made me curious as to the thoughts of the artist. We would have loved to read your artist statement and know more. Great job.
    • Title: Amanda Donley
    • Artist: Medicine Wheel

Community Awards

• Chamber of Commerce: This piece embodies Patrick County and especially our rich agricultural roots. The fire in the barn and the calf escaping to survive can be illustrative of the perseverance of our county spirit. The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce award goes to Celeste Tsaklis for her piece entitled Charcoal
• Bull Mountain Arts: The Bull Mountain Arts award is presented to a member of the organization whose piece embodies the spirit of BMA. Bull Mountain Arts is committed to supporting local artists and promoting community art – this piece represents the joy that art brings to the world – its lovely textures, movement, and the relatable subject feel familiar and accessible – the way art should be for all. When you look at this piece we encourage you to try not to smile. The Bull Mountain Arts award goes to The Dance by Betsy Layman.
• Reynolds Homestead: The Reynolds Homestead’s mission is to uphold the vision of Nancy Susan Reynolds. We do that by conserving and sharing history, delivering inspiring arts and culture, and encouraging lifelong learning. The piece chosen by Reynolds Homestead embodies many of the values we uphold – that any and everyone is creative and above all else may we all encourage one another, no matter what, to keep making art!  The Reynolds Homestead award goes to Karen Sigmon for her piece, For David.
• Best in Show: The lighting is incredible! This piece has an air of mystery to it, almost like Alice in Wonderland. We felt like there was an ambiguous note to this piece as if each viewed could use the door to step into a new adventure. Truly stunning work – magic in the ordinary.
  • Title: Tarnished
  • Artist: Donald Towns