By Donna Elliot
Contributed
The Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) celebrated the grand opening of its new gallery and visitors center showcasing the art of its members at the third-annual “Here and Now” Judged Art Show.
With over 40 entries, the judge, Rachel Welch, commented that it was difficult to choose the ribbon winners with so many high-quality pieces of artwork.
Over a hundred people came to celebrate with the following winners and to enjoy the unique artwork of the AAI’s talented artists.
Best of Show
Cher Townsend with “Caught Fish”
PHOTO BY DONNA ELLIOT
2D
First Place: Jacque Swerdfeger with “Set Sail”
PHOTO BY BECKY CLARK
Second Place: Jon Bauer with “Siri … Google … Proust”
Third Place: Irena Carlson with “Egyptian Moon”
Honorable Mentions: Jessica Schiffman with “Al” and Konrad Carter with “Little Red”
3D
First Place: Terry Rothrock with “Cloud Urn”
Second Place: Dore Capitani with “Sphere #40”
Third Place: Gary Kuscher with “Burl Ives”
Honorable Mentions: Kirsten Miller with “The Little Flower,” Paula King with “Best Personality” and Scott Finnell with “Floating”
Photography
First Place: Ron L Meyer with “Up from a Dark Place”
Second Place: Lois Sheppard with “Lady in the Moon – Idyllwild”
Third Place: Lynne Eodice with “Pioneer Town Hotel”
Honorable Mentions: Trish Tuley with “Eureka Valley” and Peter Szabadi with “Color Construct I”
Wearable Art
First Place: Trudy Adler with “Alien Abduction”
Second Place: Terrie Burian with “A Touch of Class”
PHOTO BY BECKY CLARK
Third Place: Martha Lumia with “A Walk in the Woods”
Honorable Mention: Donna Elliot with “Et Voila”
People’s Choice
Sandi Austin with “Nature Lover”
Art lovers went away happy that day having purchased over 30 exquisite pieces of art.
Welch has a degree in Art and Design from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She teaches painting and drawing at Idyllwild Arts Academy.
PHOTO BY BECKY CLARK
The AAI Gallery and Visitors Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The original artwork for sale includes ceramics, sculptures, drawings, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, fused glass, wearable art, photographs, furniture, handmade greeting cards and so much more.
Also, on offer is information on Idyllwild and its local businesses and events. Look for pop-ups each weekend in front of the gallery. These mini art fairs will be set up by artist members selling their own original art.
The gallery is located at 26364 Saunders Meadow Rd. behind Mile High Cafe.
The next AAI event is “Herd Gathering” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 15 at IdyPark. At this event, the 13 newly painted deer and one coyote will be on display together for the only time before they are installed around Idyllwild. Funded by the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts, this project involved students (and sometimes their family members) painting the sculptures in their homes.
The AAI offers memberships for as low as $40 per year and events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.artinidyllwild.org.
