Winning artists named in Open Art Competition

The Rock School Arts Foundation has announced the winning artists in its 39th Annual Open Art Competition winners, which officially opens Saturday, Aug. 8, coinciding with the 51st annual Waldensian Festival activities.

THE WINNERS

First Place: Kate Worm ‘Emily’

Second Place: Melissa Smith ‘Interplay of the Past’

Third Place: Andrew Atkin ‘In the Pale of the Evening’

Honorable Mention:

• Jeri Boerger ‘Ascent’
• Tom Denne ‘#404 Segmented Bowl’
• Lucy Folger ‘Evening Glow’
• EJ Kellerman ‘End of Road — Looking Back’
• Amy McHugh ‘Watch Your Step’
• Karen Yost ‘Winning Card”

Judging took place on Saturday, July 25. The show accepted 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works. There were 77 pieces of artwork by 41 artists submitted.

This year’s judge was Mark Poteat, who has been a practicing artist for more than 30 years, exhibiting his work both regionally and nationally and receiving numerous awards for his achievements.

His artistic practice has evolved over time, encompassing industrial subjects, musical instruments, landscapes, and, most recently, the human figure. In addition to his studio practice, Mark has served as the art coordinator and an art instructor at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton since 2002.

Judge’s statement:

“First, I would like to congratulate every artist that submitted work to the show. As the famous record producer Rick Rubin said, a work of art is successful once it is shared with an audience.

“Which, with Creatives, takes a lot of courage.

“I am very impressed with all the works in this show. My hats off to you along with my gratitude for you sharing your work. They are well accomplished, well-crafted, and well presented. Which made the task of selecting the award winners very difficult.”

— AKC