Valley Visions Art Reception Recap
RICK SMITH TAKES TOP HONORS AT “VALLEY VISIONS” ART EXHIBIT
A mixed-media work by local artist Rick Smith won the top People’s Choice Award at the Friday Grand Opening of Salida’s big “Valley Visions” art exhibition. A premiere-night crowd of more than 200 people jammed the SteamPlant Annex for a first glimpse of the exhibit, sponsored by Salida Council for the Arts (SCFTA). The popular annual show features new works by forty area painters, sculptors, jewelers and photographers.
People’s Choice Award winners selected by the opening night crowd were:
1st — Rick Smith, mixed media, “Autumn & Eve: Grays Creek”
2nd — Christine Hallett, photograph, “Ghost Chair”
3rd — Carol Cartwright, digital photographic image, “Kayaks & Aspens”
4th — Mary Hansen Wolfe, oil painting, “Winter Day on the Creek”
5th — Joanie Barbier, fabric collage, “Crested Butte Scenario”
This is the second Valley Visions win for Smith, who also took home the 5th place People’s Choice Award last year. Friday night’s winners received cash and/or merchandise prizes contributed by more than twenty local merchants. Proceeds from donations received at the Gala will go to the SCFTA’s arts scholarship fund.
While viewing the exhibition, Valley Visions patrons feasted on a banquet of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, sipped libations, enjoyed music by guitarist Red Tischer, and voted for the their favorite artwork. Many guests expressed astonishment at the impressive quality and range of artistic talent in Salida, as demonstrated by the works in the show.
The Valley Visions art exhibit will remain on display in the SteamPlant Annex through May 30. Admission is free; and all entries are available for purchase. Salida Council for the Arts is an all-volunteer organization; and persons wishing to help support the local arts scene may learn more at www.salidacouncilforthearts.org
