“Strong works of art are a 50/50 mix of excellent technique and
content,” said Jennie Kiessling Michler in her juror’s
statement.
“The key is really about the heart,” she said in remarks at the
Oct. 17 opening reception for the Eighth Annual Lone Tree Art
Exhibition and Sale.
As a juror, she selected 119 works from 241 entries by 90
artists. Artists from throughout the metro area enter this
competitive show, which offers substantial cash prizes. Included:
many familiar names from the south suburbs. Michler presently
teaches at Front Range Community College Larimer Campus and
combines a career as educator and working artist.
Soft music by Lone Tree Symphony string players drifted over the
large number of artists and art lovers who roamed the lobby and
lower level display area enjoying the variety of styles and
techniques.
“Woman From Wuzhen,” a luminous, skillfully painted 20x16 oil
painting by Sheri Farabaugh of Thornton, was named Best of Show.
The subject is a woman cleaning fish by the water, with carefully
thought out composition, color, reflections.
First Place in oils went to “Release” by Ron Zito, a large oil
painting of an apparently abandoned, weathered old shed the artist
found in Commerce City. Zito, who lives in Englewood and has a
studio in Denver, has been photographing old plains farm buildings,
he said.
Water Media First Place was awarded to Diane Fechenbach’s
“Gilded Grapes,” highlighted clusters of green and red grapes in a
crystal bowl. Fechenbach lives in Highlands Ranch.
Juli Bermann’s “Evening Shadows II” won first place in pastels
for her painting of a darkening, dramatic sky. She is an Evergreen
resident.
Mixed Media First Place was awarded to Carolyn Tegeder of
Littleton for her abstract called “Searching.”
“Zippy Do Da Beads,” a complex structure created with crystal
beads by Paul Stafford of Littleton won first place in Sculpture.
(The commission was pleased that 30 sculpture entries were received
this year, more than in previous shows).
Lone Tree Arts Commissioner Em Wilson coordinated the show, with
help from staffer Kirstin Bomgardner and commission members Ruth
McGregor, Debi Haning, Lucius Brooker and Carin Buster. Other
members of the Arts Commission: David Williams, chairperson; Beth
McKenna-Greenberg, Sue York, Sherry Wilson. The commission supports
the monthly Passport to Culture programs for children; Colorado
Stage Company local theater group (new show next month); Lone Tree
Symphony; the Annual Photography Show and Sale; various summer
events and a number of public art projects. See the City of Lone
Tree Web site for more information.
Art in this show is available for sale through the Lone Tree
Golf Club front desk.
If you go:
The 8th Annual Lone Tree Art Exhibition runs through Oct. 31 at
the Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd., Lone
Tree. The club is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and all works
exhibited are for sale.
