Villager Sue Franz has captured the blue ribbon in the the Visual Arts Association LaGalleria Winter Show.
Her colored-pencil drawing, “The Redhead Artist,” is a detailed portrait of her friend and fellow artist, Sam Hoppe.
Franz picked up the colored pencils about eight years ago, thanks in large part to classes she took at the Villages Lifelong Learning College.
She limits her work to colored pencils.
“It’s just too messy with everything else,” said the Village of Santo Domingo resident with a laugh.
Taking second-place honors was Ruth-Ann Maury, also of the Village of Santo Domingo.
Her work “Bye Bye Birdie” featured a neighbor’s cat sitting on a fence near a bird feeder, waiting patiently for the opportunity to pounce.
“I like to tell stories through my art,” said the retired school teacher.
Third-place honors went to Marie Tranovich of the Village of Buttonwood. Her water-color collage was titled “Evolve.”
She credits teacher Karyln Holman of Bonita Springs with helping her with technique. (Holman will be teaching courses in January at VLLC. Learn more at www.karlynholman.com.)
The works of all of the artists will remain on display at La Hacienda Recreation Center from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily through March 1.
