WICKWIRE fine art/folk art is proud to have announced the Presentation of Awards to six outstanding Carolina artists for their depictions of feelings and places regarding Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, North Carolina.  The ninth annual “City of Four Seasons in Two Dimensions” juried competition entitled “Connemara Visions” was judged by William Jameson an accomplished painter, exhibitor, workshop instructor and show juror.  Pat Wellborn was awarded Best of Show for her watercolor on arches w/c paper “Shed at Connemara.”  “Seeing bright summer sunlight shining on a shed at Connemara, I was struck by the potential for painting”  commented Ms. Wellborn whose 20” high x 23” wide painting of a white shed, shadows, in clearing – greens received a special $1,000 Best of Show award presented by event Co-sponsor Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of Connemara as a unit of the National Park Service.  The Friends – a volunteer support group for the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is an independent, non-profit organization formed in 1988.  It plays a vital role in providing a broader, more fulfilling educational experience to visitors of the park.   Linda Holt , Chairperson for the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara was on hand to personally present  an overjoyed Ms. Wellborn with her Best of Show ribbon and check.  First, second and third place and two honorable mention recipients shared an additional $1000 award given by WICKWIRE fine art/folk art.  Rich Nelson was presented First Place for “Connemara Reflection” an oil on linen; Nancy Oppenheimer received Second Place for “The Scarecrow of the Carl Sandburg House” a pastel on French handmade pastel board; Sara LeVan was given Third Place for her watercolor collage on paper “Secrets to Tell;” Honorable Mentions went to Jane Kilpatrick for “Open Door to Carl Sandburg’s Study” an oil on canvas and Eula LaCroix for her pastel on windberg pastel paper “Autumn Tracery, Connemara Lake.”   Mr. Jameson who has taught painting workshops in the southeastern United States since 1988, expanded his workshop venues in 1997 to Mexico, France and Italy.  His "Art in Tuscany" workshop was featured in Industry Week Magazine in June of 1999 while articles and reviews have applauded his paintings since the ‘70’s and in November 2007 his work was on the cover of Carolina Arts.  Today, he and his wife, Anne, also a painter, divide their time between homes and studios in Saluda, North Carolina and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.   

 

Mr. Jameson finalized an exceptional Show which included, as well, the following competition entrants --  Dolores W. Albert, Mike Alonzo, Lenore Barnett, Fredreen Bernatovicz, Mary Brummett, Dennis Chew, Jo-Ann Close, Cynthia Ann Davis, Jane Desonier, Mike Gilboy, Mark Haines, Jackie Harris, Barbara Hipwell, Janet Green Jacobson, Alice Johannsen, Jane Kirkpatrick, Costanza Knight, Janice MacDonald, Colleen Meechan, Cynthia Moser, Joan Murphy, Nancy Oppenheimer, Lucy Prim, Sarah Sneeden, Claire DeLong Taylor, Bob Travers, Susan Webb Tregay NWS, Pat Wellborn.    
     Shirley Palmer-Hill, Owner of WICKWIRE fine art/folk art has created an opportunity with the annual CFSTD event for artists and the community to reflect on and relish all that has brought us to Henderson County in Western North Carolina.  The Exhibition and Sale continued through Friday, October 31 at 329 N. Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina.      
     WICKWIRE fine art/folk art celebrated its 10th Year Anniversary ~ 1998-2008.   WICKWIRE fine art/folk art provides exceptional art choices.  WICKWIRE offers Original Paintings, American Handmade Craft, Handcrafted Furniture, Photography, Stunning Jewelry and More at its 330 N. Main Street, Historic Downtown Hendersonville.  The art gallery is an environment for reflection and inspiration – “. . . where the heart finds art.”   Gallery Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am – 6pm, Sunday 1-4 and First Friday of each month until 9pm.  For further details call 828-692-6222, e-mail wickwire@bellsouth.net,  http://www.wickwireartgallery.com