The Visual Arts Association helps keep public buildings and recreation centers a little more interesting to visit with their revolving art shows.
The newest VAA show went up this weekend at the Sumter County Sherriff’s Annex at 8035 E County Road 466 in The Villages.
This juried show features work from Villages artists using many mediums.
“I was surprised to see how many colored pencil pieces are in the show,” judge Tyrus Clutter said.
VAA member Ruth Ann Maury is in charge of show installations and judge selection.
“This is the second time we have had Tyrus judge one of our shows,” she said. “We all find his comments quite helpful, positive and nurturing. He is knowledgeable and the information he passes on to the artists really help us grow,” she said.
Every participating artist receives a written critique and one-on-one time with the judge during the reception. Maury, always on the lookout for good judges, discovered Clutter during his one-man show at the Appleton Museum in Ocala.
First-place winner Lois Kamp chose to show one of her most recent works, a pastel titled “In Living Color.”
“She used very vibrant, warm colors in a cohesive way,” Clutter said. “She used black paper and the textured paper really pulls it all together.”
Kamp describes her process as intuitive, regardless of what medium she is working in.
“I start with color and see where it takes me,” she said.
Maury’s colored pencil piece titled “Tomato Light” won a third-place ribbon. It was completed about two years ago, as she has been dormant as an artist for the last two years since her husband’s death.
“I am ready to get back to it,” Maury said. “I am going to go back to painting. It is when I am painting that I feel free to express my inner feelings.”
The VAA show at the Annex will be up until the end of January. Most of the paintings are for sale, ranging from $60 to $500, with most falling between $100 and $200. Folks are invited to view the show during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The Annex is located at the corner off 466 and Morse Blvd.
Artwork by VAA artists also is hanging at La Hacienda Recreation Center. That facility is located at 1200 Avenida Central in The Villages.
Information about the VAA can be found at www.visualartsassociation.com.