The weather was nearly spring-like as people filled the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke Friday night for the annual Best in Show reception. The event is in its 9th year and showcases local artists and their work. All proceeds benefit the Roanoke Valley SPCA.
The painting selected as Best in Show will be the cover of the RVSPCA’s 2015 calendar. The SPCA’s Calendar Committee chose “Waiting” by Patricia Carr as the Best in Show. Carr’s entry placed second in the Adult Category, judged by artist Nancy Dalhstrom.
First place went to Kenneth Stockton for “Gone “Fishing.” First place in the Student Category ages 13 to 18 went to Morgan Bryant for “It’s ALL smiles and Rainbows.” In the category for Students 12 and under, “Puppie Takes on Roanoke” by Julie Brown garnered first place.
Eleven-year-old Brady and Carter Cole were two of the artists whose paintings were on display. The twins attend Crystal Spring Elementary. Brady painted Bubbles. “She’s my dog-a Beagle.” He wasn’t sure how long it took him to paint the portrait but said, “It took a while.”
Carter decided to paint something a little different than most of the entries on display. “I guess I just did a manatee (because) they’re fat.” He says he studies about ocean life in school.
Judge Dahlstrom said the more than 300 works of art were inventive, ambitious, and personal. “This subject matter is clearly heartfelt for everyone who submitted an entry-and something that is a reminder to artists at all levels that your heart must always be invested in your work.”
Former SPCA Board President Barbara Dalhouse was pleased with the turnout “Fortunately the weather turned out to be nice (for the opening reception) which was great. We’ve got 311 works of art and people are really excited about the quality of the work this year.” She says the event grows by word of mouth every year.
“More and more people come out; they know about it; they hear about it. The school system loves it. And people that have favorite artists, they’re coming out. It’s a great program. It’s a great fundraiser.”
She wasn’t sure how much they’d realize from the sale of the artwork because they had fewer underwriters than in previous years and made some adjustments to the event based on that. But looking for the line of people waiting to buy paintings, the event was going to raise a lot of money to care for the animals.
Artwork that wasn’t sold at the reception can be purchased at Etsy.com/shop/RVSPCA through the end of March. And you can see a gallery of the Best in Show entries and winners at www.rvspca.org/events.
– Beverly Amsler
