Jurors for this year include Lisa Goldberg, founder of the Yellow Springs Artist Studio Tour; Mary Gray, director of the Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery; and Pat Higgins, Kettering Arts Council vice president. They selected works from more than 200 entries.
“I was so impressed with the number of entries, the diversity of art forms and the quality of the work,” said Higgins. “The visitors will enjoy seeing a wide variety of beautiful art pieces from across the country, as well as from talented artists from our area.”
Award-winning artists from last year’s event include Tim Peters of Winter Haven, Fla., and Anastasia Mak from Chicago. Both are participating again this year.
Mak paints acrylic landscapes and cityscapes inspired by her travels that feature unique, colorful patterns. Peters specializes in carved porcelain vessels and carved porcelain tiles mounted in frames. An example is an intricately carved 20-inch-tall bell bowl that mimics a forest of trees with cutout detail and a scalloped edge.
“We were judged on the whole body of work, no single piece,” said Peters.
A first-time participant is Yetunde Rodriguez of Dayton. The textile artist/designer creates pillows for home decor and dyes or weaves fibers for colorful wall hangings.
“I draw on my West African heritage for bold and striking color combinations. I have been told that my work is joy-inducing,” said Rodriquez.
Besides Illinois and Florida, artists will arrive from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Miami Valley artists include: Lisa Adkinson, Stephanie Beiser, Doug Benedict, David Brand, Sandra Picciano-Brand, Denise Brooks, Michael Caracappa, Keith Culley, Amy Deal, Jim DeLange, Thomas Drummer, Douglas Fiely, Michelle Flaum Hall, Kate Lally, Paula McKinney, Jeremy Nickoson, Christine Noah-Cooper, Thomas Potter, Daniel Powers, Sharon Stolzenberger, Barry Todd, Dennis Walker and Loretta Wikstrom.
Live entertainment will be presented by public station WYSO-FM (91.3), and the WYSO Excursions Stage with popular announcer Niki Dakota. Concessions include Fraze Pavilion’s Ernie’s, Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops, Harvest Mobile, Bella Sorella Pizza, and Greek food by BJ Events.
Interactive activities for all ages are presented by Rosewood Arts Centre, including free activities for children and engaging demos by talented Rosewood instructors. The event is staged just off Shroyer Road near the Kettering Government Center. For a map, parking information and detail driving instructions visit www.fraze.com.
This festival is programmed by Rosewood Arts Centre through Kettering’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. It’s sponsored by the Dayton City Paper, 91.3 WYSO, the School of Advertising Art, Mark Fornes Realty, the Kettering Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Council.
Contact contributing writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.
WANT TO GO?
What: Art on the Commons
Where: Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 675 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering
When: Sunday, Aug. 13
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More Info: 937-296-0294, playkettering.org/aotc
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