Horsin’ Around, the annual auction held to benefit Atlantic Center for the Arts, was a big hit with attendees; who enjoyed a day of delicious food, fine wine and some spirited bidding on unique items, opportunities and trips. Here are some photos of all the fun. Click on contact sheet to open in a new window and use the magnifying tool to see all the fun that was had at this special event.
Jenna Thompson and Brian Shank of Cocoa Beach love coming to IMAGES to "buy some great art directly from the artists." Click on any photo to open in new window and zoom in on it. All photos by Sandi Carroll
Tens of thousands of art lovers took advantage of the clear and sunny weather to attend the 36th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, in downtown New Smyrna Beach January 28 & 29.
The festival featured more than 200 artists, plenty of food, live entertainment, a Student Art Exhibit, and the Creative Education tent that offered children a hands-on opportunity to create their own art.
Riverside Drive and Canal Street were lined with artist tents and masses of people came out to buy art and enjoy the warm sunny weather.
Jenna Thompson and Brian Shank drove up from Cocoa Beach. They said that they never miss IMAGES. “It is a wonderful art show with outstanding pieces of art to buy,” Jenna said. “We love coming to this art show.” They bought a mixed media piece from Tony Krysinsky of Pensacola, two photographs by Steve Vaughn of Winter Park and a glass piece by Paula Marksbury of Athens, Tenn.
Blake Vaughn, 4, loved his "sea-full" face painting.
Children enjoyed making newspaper hats, bubble prints, picture frames, salt water paintings, and creating straw weaving in the Children’s Education Tent. There was also face painting by Antonia and her helpers and the Student Art Tent, which featured art works by area students from kindergarten through high school.
More than $100,000 in Patrons Awards and cash prizes are given. Festival awards were given in six areas by the judges.
“I was very honored to be invited to the beautiful city of New Smyrna Beach and Atlantic Center for the Arts. I so enjoyed seeing all of the art and fine craft that this Festival had to offer,” said Judge Peg Fetter. “While the process of judging was very tough, I so enjoyed meeting and talking with each artist. It is obvious from community support that this Festival embraces the artists that are part of the show.”
Judge Jay Williams concurred, saying “The work in this Festival shows that fine craft in every way is as interesting and creative as paintings, prints and drawings.”
The Festival is presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts and is sponsored by the County of Volusia, New Smyrna Beach Resort Area, Community Redevelopment Agency of New Smyrna Beach, the City of New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Toyota, Brighthouse Networks, TD Bank, the Daytona Beach News-Journal, and Publix Super Market Charities.
The Best of Show award of $5,000 went to David David Figueroa, a sculptor from Sanford.
Sanford sculptor David David Figueroa won the $5,000 Best of Show award.
Other awards included:
George and June Musson Award ($2,500 award): Tim Ludwig, Ceramics, Deland
Award of Excellence ($1,500): Ummarid Eitharong, Mixed-Media, Orlando
Award of Distinction ($800 award): Steve Howell, Ceramics, Gainesville; Rolly Ray Reel, Mixed-Media, Maitland; Marilyn Vaillancourt, Jewelry, Wecki Wachee; John Kellum, Ceramics, Orlando
Award of Commendation ($500 Award): Charles Hazelaar, Sculpture, Cape Canaveral; Rodney Lints, Wood, New Smyrna Beach; Robert Kastrinos, Ceramics, Orlando; Richard Currier, Painting, Micco; C.M. Djordjievski, Sculpture, Ormond Beach; Christian Nevin, Jewelry, Parkland
Judges Choice ($350 Award): Lynn Fisher, Ceramics, Bellaire, MI; Gregory Jones, Mixed-Media, Lakeland; Michael Nemnich, Drawing/Graphics, Indialantic; Vadim Malkin, Ceramics, Gregory Strachov, Painting, Floral City
Ummarid Eitharong, Orlando, won the Award of Excellence ($1,500).
Tim Ludwig, DeLand, won the George and June Musson Award ($2,500)
Award of Merit ($250 Award): Leslie Peebles, Drawing/Graphics, Alachua; Patricia Karnes, Jewelry, Winter Park; Barbara Foley, Jewelry, Palm Harbor; Laurie Coppedge, Photography, Jacksonville; Bud Gilbert, Mixed-Media, Edgewater; Matthew Hatala, Wood, Danielsville, GA; Michael Nelson, Ceramics, New Smyrna Beach; Ken Laffal, Photography, St. Augustine; Su Abbott, Mixed-Media, East Point, GA; Martha and Gaff Pearce, Ceramics, Lewisville, GA; Joyce McAdams, Mixed-Media, Edgewater; Maria Cano, Jewelry, Lake Worth
Award of Honor ($200 Award): Michael Webber, Painting, Port Saint Lucie; Carol Elder Napoli, Mixed-Media, New Smyrna Beach; Teresa Thompson, Fine Crafts, New Smyrna Beach; Jay Canterbury, Photography, Holmes Beach; Susan Currier, Jewelry, Mico; Paula Marksbury, Glass, Athens, TN.
Festival-goers also enjoyed the variety of food from the food court and music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Among the headliners were Michael Lamy and Linda Cole, Stetson University Reggae Jazz Combo, Charlie Gear, Bobby Mercer Road Show and Junkanoo.
For more information about Atlantic Center for the Arts or IMAGES, visit www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org or call 386-427-6975.
Rolly Ray Reel
Steve Howell
Marilyn Vaillancourt
Click on any contact sheet to open in a new window then use your magnifying tool to enlarge view.
The 36th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 28 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 29, along the Intracoastal Waterway in Riverside Park and on historic downtown Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. Admission is free.
IMAGES will be held on Riverside Drive and Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach Saturday and Sunday Jan. 28 & 29.
IMAGES will present a kaleidoscope of diverse art works, featuring more than 200 talented artists, a festival food court, children’s activities, student art exhibit and live entertainment.
“Images was conceived by a group of local residents who wanted to make New Smyrna’s beautiful environment known to the rest of our country and the world as a place where creative, artistic minds could flourish. In return our community was exposed to really fine art,” Images Chair Martha Grimes said. “This year’s show will continue to offer exceptional diversity in many artistic categories. There will be something for everyone’s’ taste. As usual, our local volunteers will create a pleasant, friendly, welcoming atmosphere.”
Jay Williams, curator of exhibitions and collections at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, and metalsmith and author Peg Fetter are this year’s judges. They will make their selections Saturday of the finest works in the show to award more than $21,000 in prize money. Top festival awards include Best of Show, $5,000; June and George E. Musson Award, $2,500; and the Award of Excellence, $1,500.
The Patron’s Choice Awards, totaling $80,000 in 2011, continues to demonstrate community support for the Festival. IMAGES patrons pledge a minimum of $350 with $200 going toward the artwork of their choice. The $150 contribution to IMAGES helps to underwrite festival costs. Patrons receive ribbons to give to the artists whose work they select, an invitation to the Patron’s cocktail party with the festival judges, entry to the Patron’s lounge and more. Phone the IMAGES office at 386-423-4733 for details.
Junkanoowill perform twice Sunday, 12;30 and 2:30 p.m.
There will be outstanding entertainment both days of IMAGES:
Saturday, January 28
11:30- Noon — Traditional Thailand Dancers from Melbourne
Noon-1 p.m. – Michael Lamy & Linda Cole (Broadway and standards)
1:45-2:45 p.m. — Stetson University Reggae Jazz Combo under the direction of Dr. George West
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Celtic Wave (four-piece Celtic group and dancer)
Sunday, January 29
11:45 a.m. –12:30 p.m. — Charlie Gear (Celtic/Celtic Pop)
12:30- 12:50 p.m. — Junkanoo (Bahamian dancers)– South Riverside to Riverside Park
1:15-2:30 p.m. — Bobby Mercer Road Show (Vegas style show band)
2:30-2:50 p.m. — Junkanoo (Bahamian dancers) — Christmas Park on Canal Street to Riverside Park
3:15-4 p.m. — Mark Z and Jeff Whitfield (acoustic duo/ soft rock)
Entertainment booked by Marc Monteson Promotions
Sound provided by BT Sound
IMAGES is an art event for the entire family, so be sure to stop by the Creative Education tent for free art projects geared specifically to kids. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Art projects will include straw weaving, wacky newpaper hats and fun watercolr resist painting. There will also be a face painting tent. Be sure to check out the student exhibition tent to view works of art by students from Edgewater Public School, New Smyrna Beach High, New Smyrna Beach Middle School, Chisholm Elementary, Indian River Elementary, Read-Pattillo Elementary, Sacred Heart School, Coronado Beach Elementary and Samsula Academy.
Indiatlantic artist Michael Nemnich is this year’ IMAGES poster artist. His oil pastel “Red Bird’s Flight” will be on the poster and T-shirts for the festival.
“Raised on Florida’s east central coast, I have used my travels throughout the world as a source of inspiration in my art. My oil pastel artwork is comprised of building thick layers of color on handmade cotton paper. After stacking or blending the colors, I scratch out layers to expose the underlying colors. I add designs, highlights and words to achieve the desired image. These are one of kind pieces done exclusively by me,” Nemnich said.
New Smyrna Beach, rated as one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America” in the book by John Villani, pulls out all the stops in welcoming IMAGES artists and patrons to town for the festival. So, put on your comfortable shoes, grab the kids and your wallet and plan to enjoy an outstanding weekend of the arts at IMAGES Jan. 28 & 29.
Sponsors for IMAGES include: City of New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, New Smyrna Beach Visitors Center, Community Redevelopment Agency, Brighthouse Networks,Daytona Toyota, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Publix Super Markets Charities and The Garlic Restaurant.
For more information about the festival, phone the IMAGES office at 386-423-4733 or visit www.imagesartfestival.org.
The boutique was a popular stop on the IMAGES Tour of Homes Dec. 3, with a line at the pay station. CLICK ON ANY PHOTO AND IT WILL OPEN LARGER IN A NEW WINDOW.
The IMAGES Tour of Homes provided ticket holders entry into seven unique and interesting homes decorated by area florists and the homeowners Dec. 3. Hundreds of tickets were sold to those who were curious about the interior of the homes and who wanted to see the latest ideas in holiday decorating.
Homes on this year’s tour included two on beachside — the renovated “Honey House,” on Saxon Drive, owned and decorated by Jeff and Paige Gehris and the charming beach house on Villa Way, owned by Apryl McEligot and decorated by New Smyrna Beach Florist; two near downtown — the historic 1900s renovated two-story home on South Riverside Drive of Anthony and Eveline Kraljic, decorated by Simply Flowers, Roses and More of New Smyrna Beach and the historic 1920 home on Faulkner Avenue of Susan Ward, decorated by Another Secret Garden of Edgewater; two homes in Sugar Mill Country Club — the thoroughly modern and artistic home of Gwen Hughes located on a lake and decorated by Lindley’s Nursery and Garden Center of New Smyrna Beach and the elegant modern home of Dale and Heather Williams, decorated by Pink Flamingo at Petals of New Smyrna Beach; and the Venetian Bay home of Dave LeBlanc and Bill Peterson, decorated with its owners’ substantial collection of Christmas items and “themed” trees.
Monique Fischer of Port Orange (left) and friend shop at the boutique.
Elise Laubach admires an angel created by Cathy Berse and Teresa Bowen at the boutique.
The IMAGES Boutique,held at Atlantic Center for the Arts, was a very popular stop on the tour. Holiday ornaments, hand-made purses and baskets, jewelry, shell angels, decorated aprons, paper lamp shades, and other unique and lovely items created by ACA League members were quickly snapped up. The boutique also featured a silent auction, and offered an elegant array of refreshments to ticket holders.
Homeowner Anthony Kraljic answered tour-goers' questions about the history and renovation of his 1900s home on Riverside Drive.
Homeowner Susan Ward (in white) invited tour-goers to have a "cookie and cider" after they toured her 1920s Faulkner Street home.
ACA staff and IMAGES volunteers would like to thank the seven homeowners for their graciousness in opening their homes for the tour. They would also like to thank the participating florists and businesses that support the Tour of Home; and ticket holders for supporting this year’s tour and making it such a big success.
The tour is the main fundraiser for IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, which will be held in Riverside Park and downtown New Smyrna Beach Jan. 28 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Jan. 29 from 10 a.m-5 p.m. For more information, to volunteer, or become an IMAGES patron, phone the IMAGES office at 386-423-4733, or visit its website, www.imagesartfestival.org.
Each room in Apryl McEligot's home had a distinctive holiday touch. It was decorated inside and out by New Smyrna Beach Florist. All photos by Sandi Carroll.
The IMAGES Tour of Homes presents unique and fascinating homes in New Smyrna Beach festively decorated for the holidays by area florists. A boutique featuring handmade gift items is also open during the tour, which runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, December 3. Presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, the tour benefits the 36th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts in January.
The featured homes include:
The "Honey House" on Saxon Avenue owned by Jeff and Paige Gehris
The renovated “Honey House,” on Saxon Drive, beachside, owned and decorated by Jeff and Paige Gehris. Built in 1921, it was once surrounded by bee hives and housed a honey processing operation. Jeff and Paige bought the house last year and renovated it with stunning results, turning the small house into a warm, inviting, open and comfortable living space with lots of surprises – bold use of color, built-in drawers topped with slabs of beautifully varnished wood, rustic storage benches, a vintage double drainboard porcelain sink — as well as colorful tableware, ceramics and lampshades. There are decorative touches everywhere one looks. The home will be decorated for the holidays by Paige with some treasures from her antique Christmas collection. Tour-goers will love this inviting and comfortable little treasure.
Gwen Hughes' home in Sugar Mill Country Club
The thoroughly modern and artistic home of Gwen Hughes located on a lake in Sugar Mill Country Club, decorated by Lindley’s Nursery and Garden Center of New Smyrna Beach. The house, built in 1980, was totally remodeled in 2002 and features an open floor plan with an outstanding view across a lake on the golf course. Open and airy, with full view glass doors that open onto a veranda in the back and a screened porch on the side, it is a wonderful house for entertaining. A gallery-like entry leads into the great room that is decorated in an eclectic style that blends modern and traditional pieces. Art works by well-known area artists and treasures Hughes has collected from trips around the world can be found throughout the home. Hughes, a photographer, also has several of her framed photographs on display. Tour-goers will enjoy the beautiful lake front view from this tastefully remodeled home in Sugar Mill.
Historic 1900s Florida Cracker home of Anthony and Eveline Kraljic
The historic 1900s renovated two-story home on South Riverside Drive of Anthony and Eveline Kraljic, decorated by Simply Flowers, Roses and More of New Smyrna Beach. The historic Florida Cracker house is “New Smyrna Beach Historic Property No. 34.” There is a great view of the Indian River and the South Causeway Bridge from the home’s wrap-around front porch and interior rooms. The two-story house has original heart of pine wood floors and formal and informal parlors connected by a double-sided fireplace. Eighty percent of the materials used in the remodeling were recycled, including bricks, wood, closet doors, old hardware, and wood flooring as well as recycled concrete pieces and blocks that he used to create flowerbeds throughout the yard. The home’s comfortable interior style is an eclectic blend of Old World and modern.The Kraljics also own a 1920s home behind theirs, dubbed “Quinn’s Cottage” after their daughter that will also be open and will be part of Tour of Homes. Take a moment to sit in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch and savor the view before entering this charming historic treasure that has been lovingly remodeled.
Promenade at Ventian Bay home of Dave LeBlanc and Bill Peterson
The Venetian Bay home of Dave LeBlanc and Bill Peterson, has its owners’ substantial collection of Christmas items and “themed” trees on display. Tour goers will love “Bill and Dave’s Winter Wonderland” located in the Promenade at Venetian Bay. The den in the house is the “Disney” room with an extensive collection of Disney memorabilia. During the holidays the centerpiece of the room is the Disney tree hung with hundreds of Disney characters. The formal dining room, with its table set with festive Christmas dinnerware, features an “Angel” Christmas tree in the corner. Another room has a “Jungle” Christmas tree full of monkeys, lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras and more. The family room features two model trains and a village as well as hundreds of Santas, reindeer, elves and other Christmas items. The entire back of the home is screened in, with a pool, koi pond, waterfalls, outdoor kitchen and a lake view — the homeowners favorite spot to relax and entertain. Visitors will love this festive home. Bill and Dave go all out when it comes to decorating for Christmas. They really do live in a “Winter Wonderland.”
Aprly McEligot's charming beach house on Villa Way, beachside
The beautifully decorated and charming beach house on Villa Way, beachside, owned by Apryl McEligot, decorated by New Smyrna Beach Florist. McEligot bought the 1990s house next to Minorca Condominium three years ago and completely gutted the inside of the three bedroom, three bath home, knocking out walls, putting in more windows and opening up the space. She designed a “great room” that is bright, airy and perfect for entertaining. Glass doors open onto a screen-in patio and pool area extending the party area outdoors. Apryl is proudest of the remodeling she did in the master bathroom, adding three arch top windows with plantation shutters to the once windowless room. A spa tub, granite counter tops, and large glass and tile shower make this elegant room her retreat from a busy life — a beautiful and relaxing place to enjoy. The home, with its pallet of beach colors is usually decorated in a coastal style, but for the holidays Apryl brings out her collection of “nutcrackers” and many unique Christmas items. Tour-goers will enjoy the holiday spirit on display in this beautifully decorated beach house in the Inlet Villas neighborhood.
Susan Ward's historic 1920 home on Faulkner Avenue
The historic 1920 home on Faulkner Avenue of Susan Ward, decorated by Another Secret Garden of Edgewater. The 1920 house originally had four different entrances and was living quarters for the Washington Connor family servants. Changes were made to the structure over the years, and the house was a duplex with no common walls when Ward bought it in 2005. She hired Hickson Construction to turn it into a modernized and comfortable home that would still retain the charm and integrity of the 1920s structure. Renovations were completed in spring of 2008. There are a lot of charming touches in the home: two fireplaces, niches set into walls, window seats, hardwood floors, bead board, as well as reclaimed doors and wood from an old home that once sat at the corner of Faulkner and Washington streets. An outstanding feature of the home is its openness — every main room in the house opens onto a porch. There is also a separate two-car garage and studio apartment on the double-lot-sized property. Tour-goers will be charmed by this modernized 1920s gem.
Dale and Heather Williams' home overlooks one of the fairways at Sugar Mill Country Club
The elegant modern home of Dale and Heather Williams in Sugar Mill Country Club, decorated by Pink Flamingo at Petals of New Smyrna Beach. The house is all about family. Located on the white number four fairway, the Williams designed it as a home that their children and families would enjoy. It is not unusual for the Williams to have 35 people in attendance for a holiday dinner. The house was completed in 2005, though Heather, an interior decorator, says it is a continual work in progress. The decor is “traditional/transitional” style — a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. The result is a comfortable, liveable style. Entrance to the two-story, 19-room home is through custom made 8-foot mahogany louvered doors. The spacious foyer leads the living room with its floor to ceiling hand-carved fireplace made from coquina stone. Clear light French doors open onto a large screened pool enclosure overlooking the fairway with an outdoor kitchen and bath. Upstairs is a children’s playroom, an adult playroom with billiard table, and a theater room. Be sure to visit this comfortable family home with its attention to detail, grand scale and quality craftsmanship.
The IMAGES Tour of Homes Boutique features refreshments and fantastic items created by the talented artists from the ACA Volunteer League. It is held at the Whatmore Commons at Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Art Center Ave, New Smyrna Beach, just north of the municipal airport off U.S. 1. The group has been working hard all year, meeting each week to create unique gift items and festive hand-made decorations that will be perfect for the holiday season.
Tickets for the IMAGES Tour of Homes and Boutique are $20 each. Tickets will be available at the Images office, 214 S. Riverside Drive and Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Arts Center Ave., both in New Smyrna Beach. For more information, call (386) 423-4733, or e-mail images@imagesartfestival.org.
The Tour of Homes is the main fundraiser for and benefits IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, a nationally recognized outdoor juried art show, which will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. January 28 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. January 29, along Riverside Drive, up Canal Street and throughout picturesque Riverside Park in downtown New Smyrna Beach. Visit www.imagesartfestival.org for more information.
Thousands visited the 35th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts Saturday and Sunday. This year's weather was perfect for an outdoor art festival.
Thousands of art lovers took advantage of the clear and sunny weather to attend the 35th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts in downtown New Smyrna Beach Jan. 29 and 30th. The festival featured more than 200 artist display booths, plenty of food, live entertainment, a Student Art Exhibit, and the Creative Education tent that offered children a hands-on opportunity to create their own art.
Riverside Drive and Canal Street were lined with artist tents and masses of people came out to see the art and enjoy the warm sunny weather.
“It has been beautiful. We’ve really been blessed this year,” artist Carol Napoli said. Other adjectives overheard about the art show and the weather included “outstanding,” “spectacular,” “fantastic,” and “awesome.”
Linda Knight won an Award of Merit. This is her first year of exhibiting at IMAGES.
“To me, IMAGES is the leading show in the area and one of the best in the country by reputation,” mixed media artist Linda Knight said. “This is my first year and I just feel so honored to be chosen to show my work with other artists who I feel are of the highest caliber around.” Knight earned an Award of Merit from judges Nancy Friedemann and Scott Habes.
More than $100,000 in Patrons Awards and cash prizes are given. Festival awards were given in six areas by the judges.
“I was very impressed by the depth and breadth of work at IMAGES. Fellow judge Nancy Freidmann and myself deliberated for hours and carefully selected our winners. The artist participation and enthusiasm is a testament to the strength of this tremendous event. I want to thank everyone, from the ACA staff to the artists to the volunteers, for making this event such an overwhelming success,” Scott Habes said.
The Best of Show award of $5,000 went to Magali Groves of Orlando, who was thrilled that the judges selected two of her finely burned and carved gourds (using the woodburning technique), “Butterflies are Forever,” and “Wisdom” for the top prize of the festival. Her gourds have intricate designs of nature – such as hummingbirds, lizards, butterflies; and also traditional Peruvian designs.
Magali Groves of Orlando won Best of Show for her intricately woodburned and carved gourds. She is holding "Butterflies Are Forever."
The other 2011 award winners of IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, are as follows:
George and June Musson Award ($2,500 award): David David Figueroa, Sanford, “Emergency Alter” Sculpture
Award of Excellence ($1,500): Ummarid Eitharong, Orlando, “Mean Tide,” Mixed-Media
Award of Distinction ($800 award): Jason Hunt, drawing/graphics; Matthew Hatala, wood; Jonathan Poirier, glass; Patricia Karnes, jewelry (Booth 35)
Award of Commendation ($500 Award): David Rowell, photography; Maria Cano, jewelry; Harry & BJ Mackie, jewelry; Michael Myers, photography; Nels Johnson, photography; Stewart Jones, painting
Judges Choice ($350 Award): Karen and Steven Boyd, painting; Ed Brownlee, ceramics; Charles Hazelaar, sculpture; Scott Anderson, wood; Serge Bojan, glass
Award of Merit ($250 Award): Martha and Gaff Pearce, ceramics; Kathleen Chenet, painting; Paul M. Stevens, photography; Jay Canterbury, photography; Holly Hambrick, mixed-media; James W. Parker, photography; Linda Knight, mixed media; Gary Curtis, painting; Robert Wince, painting; Don Patrick, wood; Ray Cannata, wood; Robert Kastrinos, ceramics
Award of Honor ($200 Award): Marian Pacsuta, painting; Tim Ludwig, ceramics; Vadim Malkin, ceramics; Jens Bisgaard, jewelry; Mina Heusleim, ceramics; Chuck Boux, glass
The NSB High School Showdolls open the festival Saturday morning and wowed the crowd with their precision dance routines.
A huge crowd gathered for Saturday’s opening performance by the award-winning New Smyrna Beach Showdolls who wowed the audience with their outstanding routines. The crowd stayed put to enjoy Jimmy & Eckhard, direct from the Willow Tree German Cafe in Sanford, followed by Caribbean steel band music by 5 Islands Steel with Carlos Fernandez and Junior Pouchet. The day’s entertainment concluded with some outstanding jazz by Pat D’ Aguanno’s Duplicity Quartet, featuring vocalist Toni Bishop.
The entertainment continued Sunday with Sitarick, world fusion music with Rick DeYampert on sitar and Native American flutes; Rosie O’Grady Highlanders Pipe & Drum Troupe, who wowed the crowd performing in the street in kilts with bagpipes and drums at noon on Riverside Drive and at 2:30 p.m. on Canal Street; Bobby Mercer Lotsa Fun Band, a high energy band featuring music from the ‘40s to current hits, and the popular and talented Beu Sisters.
The Creative Education tent was a hotbed of young talent, with children taking part in some “buggy” activities, creating “Bug and Bee” headbands, “Squiggle Squirms” (bendable insect buddies), bug eye binoculars and “bookworms.” Another tent housed an outstanding exhibit of works of art by students in grades K-12 attending Southeast Volusia County schools.
The festival food court offered something to please every taste bud, including grilled grouper sandwiches, barbecue, shish kabobs, chicken wraps, Italian and Polish sausage, gyros, rib eye steak sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dog, corn dogs, kettle corn, funnel cakes, deep fried butterfly potato chips, ice cream and more. Hungry art fans lined for the taste-tempting, finger-licking international cuisine.
Presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, the festival is sponsored by the County of Volusia , the City of New Smyrna Beach, the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, the Community Redevelopment Agency of New Smyrna Beach, AT&T, Local 6, the Daytona Beach News-Journal, and BrightHouse Networks. For more information about IMAGES or Atlantic Center for the Arts, visit www.atlanticecenterforthearts.org or phone 386-427-6975.
Winner of the 35th annual IMAGES (click of photo to view contact sheet in another window)
The 35th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 29 & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 30, in picturesque Riverside Park along the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway in New Smyrna Beach. Admission is free.
Kathy Whitley admires a metal sculpture by Chris Seeman at last year's IMAGES. Click on any photo to enlarge. All photos by Sandi Carroll
It will be an outstanding weekend featuring more than 220 talented artists from across the country. There will be no need to pack a lunch! Food for every taste will be available in the food court from ice cream to funnel cakes and hamburgers to shrimp plates. This year’s free live entertainment will include a German duo, a steel drum band, a jazz quartet, World Fusion music (sitar and Native American flutes), a Vegas show group, a pop group, and a Pipe & Drum Troupe.
Judges Nancy Friedemann and Scott Habes will set out on their rounds early Saturday morning to make their choices of the finest works in the show, awarding over $21,000 in prize monies. Top festival awards are Best of Show, $5,000; June and George E. Musson Award, $2,500; and the Award of Excellence, $1,500. Other awards include four Awards of Distinction, $800; six Awards of commendation, $500; five Judges’ Choice awards, $350; 12 Awards of Merit, $250; and six Awards of Honor, $200.
IMAGES attracts 30,000+ visitors each year. It is a top notch juried outdoor art festival.
The Patron’s Choice Awards, totaling $75,000 in 2010, demonstrates community support for the Festival. Patrons pledge a minimum of $350 with $200 going toward the artwork of their choice. The $150 contribution to IMAGES helps to underwrite festival costs. Patrons receive ribbons to give to the artists whose work they select, an invitation to the Patron’s cocktail party with the festival judges, entry to the Patron’s lounge both days of the festival, and more. Phone the IMAGES office at 386-423-4733 for details.
IMAGES holds special meaning to many of the artists who are selected to participate.
Artist Trish Thompson
This will be the 24th year painter Trish Thompson has participated in IMAGES.
“I love Images because it’s such a well run show and a great time to visit with lots of people who stop by to say hi,” Ms. Thompson said. “Images is very well run. The committee has had lots of experience over the last 35 years and have worked most of the kinks out. They treat the artists very well. If only they could control the weather …. I moved here from Tallahassee in 1987 and started doing IMAGES then. I have done other outdoor festivals over the years, but IMAGES is the only one I still do. I’m looking forward to another year in space 53.”
Ceramic artist Teresa Bowen says, “I have done the IMAGES show for about 15 years or so. It is an easy show to do as far as set up and tear down, it is well laid out. IMAGES has a very good patron program. The quality of the show is very high with much variety to satisfy the large crowd that attends. This art show is what brought me to move to New Smyrna Beach. I liked the town so much when I came here that I ended up living here a year later. Unfortunately the show got rained out that year but that didn’t stop me from seeing the potential of a wonderful town to move to.”
This will be the fifth year mixed media artist Kim Kaiser has participated in IMAGES.“Images is special to me because it has always represented a bench mark of success as an artist to have the privilege of being in the show,” Ms. Kaiser said. “I think the show has charm, a great location, and they take great care of the artists and it is easy access to the public and the artist. I think the patron’s program is another feature which brings in top notch artists and engages the community into art and the artists. I have a good following of patrons in the area and we both look forward to showing and seeing my art work and each other. It is a thrill for me to be a part of this show.”
Eden Rain paints in the Creative Education Tent at last year's IMAGES. This year children can create bendable insect buddies, inchworm bookmarks, bug-eyed hats, and butterfly windsocks.
IMAGES is for the entire family, so be sure to stop by the Creative
IMAGES Live Stage brings talented musical acts to the Festival. SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 11:30 - 11:50 AM New Smyrna Beach Showdolls, award - winning high school dance team Noon - 1 PM Jimmy & Eckhard - German Duo direct from the Willow Tree German Cafe in Sanford 1:30 - 2:30 PM 5 Islands Steel with Carlos Fernandez and Junior Pouchet - Steel Band music of the Caribbean 3 - 4 PM Pat D'Aguanno's Duplicity Quartet - Jazz featuring Vocalist Toni Bishop SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 11:30 - Noon Sitarick - World Fusion Music with Rick DeYampert on sitar and Native American flutes Noon - 12:20 Rosie O'Grady Highlanders Pipe & Drum Troupe - South Riverside to the park 1 - 2:10 PM Bobby Mercer Lotsa Fun Band - Vegas show group 2:30 - 2:50 PM Rosie O'Grady Highlanders Pipe & Drum Troupe - Corner of Magnolia & Canal to Riverside Park 3 - 4 PM The Beu Sisters - Pop, Country & Originals
Education tent for free art projects geared specifically to kids. Atlantic Center for the Arts partners with Volusia County Teachers, to create fun and meaningful experiences for budding artists. In exchange for their assistance at the Festival, IMAGES provides money and supplies for the art classrooms of the participating schools, helping educate the next generation of artists.
Sponsored by the Community Redevelopment Agency of New Smyrna Beach, this year’s projects feature a theme that might bug you! Children of any age can create bendable insect buddies, inchworm bookmarks, bug-eyed hats, and butterfly windsocks. Afterward, be sure to buzz by the student art exhibition tent to view works of art by students in New Smyrna Beach, kindergarten through 12th grade.
IMAGES attracts some of the most talented artists in the country. The festival offers a tradition of quality and artistic growth, with fine artists showcasing their best work in painting, graphics, photography, jewelry, sculpture, glass, wood, leather, paper, clay, fiber, and fine crafts. There are thousands of pieces of art for purchase, whether you’re looking for that special sculpture, painting, photograph, glass vase, unique piece of jewelry, or handcrafted table.
Winter Park artist Cynthia Edmonds’ painting “ Riverside Park” was created specifically for IMAGES and will be on the poster and T-shirts for the festival. “Using nature as inspiration, my goal is not to duplicate the scene, but to give the viewer the sense of being in the beautiful landscape,” Edmonds said. Be sure to stop by booth 102 and see some of her other plein air paintings.
New Smyrna Beach, rated as one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America” in the book by John Villani, pulls out all the stops in welcoming IMAGES artists and patrons to town for the festival. So, put on your comfortable shoes, grab the kids and your wallet and plan to enjoy an outstanding weekend of the arts at IMAGES.
Sponsors of IMAGES include the County of Volusia, Community Redevelopment Agency, City of New Smyrna Beach, Brighthouse Networks, AT&T The Real Yellow Pages, and New Smyrna Beach Resort Area.
For more information about the festival, phone the IMAGES office at 386-423-4733 or visit www.imagesartfestival.org.
IMAGES patrons Tom and Kathryn Warlick purchased a colorful painting by Jane Silvka at last year's IMAGES. There will be thousands of pieces of art on display at the festival.
IMAGES Tour of Homes ticket holders visit the Sandoval home in the Florida Days community. Click on any photo to view larger in new window
This year’s IMAGES Tour of Homes drew a record crowd, including a wonderful turnout for the first Designer Showhome Gala Friday, Dec. 3.
“Between Friday’s Gala and Saturday’s Tour, we had more than 1,000 people go through the Showhome,” Nancy Lowden Norman, Atlantic Center for the Arts Director of Advancement, excitedly reported Saturday afternoon. It was crazy and fantastic.”
Mother Nature smiled on the event, with some of the wonderful sunny weather that Florida is famous for.
The Designer Showhome Gala featured incredible hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and the design talents of decorators including D. Peterson Interiors, HM Begley, Interior Bliss Design Studio, Island Collection, Kembali, Room Service, Southern Trends and Volusia Patio & Home Accessories. Belk Department Store, at The Pavilion in Port Orange, provided linens, accessories, and dinnerware.
The Luttrell and Ennis home - decorated by Six Sisters Florist
The Huff home - decorated by Pink Flamingo at Petals
Tour-goers on Saturday not only got to tour the Designer Showhome, but also five homes festively decorated for the holidays by area florists.
Homes on this years tour included the Thailand-inspired “Bunny Beach House,” owned by Deborah and Paisan Bundityanond, decorated by Beall’s beachside New Smyrna Beach store; the modern cottage-style home of Barbara Luttrell and Michael Ennis, decorated by Six Sisters Florist; the canal-side British West Indies style home of Barbara DiVonne Cannon and John Evershed, decorated by New Smyrna Beach Florist; the elegant Tuscan-style home owned by Bridget Huff, decorated by Pink Flamingo at Petals; and the Beluah, an “Old Florida” style home owned by Ernie Sandoval, decorated by Interior Bliss Design Studio and Lindley’s Nursery and Garden Center.
The Tour Boutique offered many gift choices
Bealls decorated the Bundityanond home with seaside flair
The IMAGES committee warmly thanks the homeowners for graciously opening their homes and making the tour possible. Appreciation also goes out to the many hard-working volunteers and to the participating florists.
Co-chairs for the Designer Showhome: Sue Flynn, Betty McNamara and Marcia Norman wish to thank the army of volunteers who helped make the Designer Showhome Gala a wonderful event.
Organizers would also like to thank the community for supporting this year’s IMAGES Tour of Homes and making it such a big success.
Proceeds from the Gala and the Tour of Homes benefits the 35th Annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, which will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30 in New Smyrna Beach.
Betty MacNamara greets Charlotte Everbach
Sue Flynn and Marcia Norman
Lillian Wilson and Judi Dold attended the Showhome Gala
Images: A Festival of the Arts is an outstanding weekend featuring more than 200 talented artists, children’s art projects, free top-notch entertainment and a delicious food court.
For more information about IMAGES, to volunteer or become a patron, phone the IMAGES office at 386-423-4733, or visit www.imagesartfestival.org.
You can click on page to bring up in a new window and use your magnifying tool to enlarge. Photos by Sandi Carroll