willits center for the arts

The Arts for the Parks Traveling Art Show is a semi-annual competition which focuses on the 17 California State Parks in Mendocino County by showcasing the works of artists who live in Mendocino County, as well as artists who visit these parks from out of the area. More than 100 works of art are featured in this show. The show at the Willits Center for the Arts will open with an Artists' Reception on Saturday, June 5, from 7-9 PM and will continue through June 27.

Out of 129 accepted entries, 21 artists were recognized for their work in four categories: Drawing, Painting, Photography, and Other. This year there were four Grand Prize winners, each received $1,000; four Second Prize winners, each received $400; four Third Prize winners, each received $100; and 10 Honorable Mention recipients, each received a certificate.

Many local inland artists were accepted into the show, and two won awards. Laura Fogg, from Ukiah, was a Grand Prize winner for her 3-D textile pieceNavarro Dawn. Ann Maglinte, from Willits, was awarded an Honorable Mention for her watercolor, A Foggy Day at Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse.Other inland artists displaying their artwork include: Diana Ford of Hopland, Judi Berdis and Ree Slocum of Willits, Francine Bearden and JoAnn Skywatcher of Ukiah, and June Oster who is from Redwood Valley.

The entries were judged on the basis of artistic merit, originality of vision, quality of execution and following the theme of the competition. Artists were asked to submit park-inspired works reflecting a variety of subject matter, including landscapes and seascapes, close-up subjects, wildlife, historical or Native American themes, and people in park settings.

"There were so many great works and such varied talents to appreciate this year, all worthy of high praise," said MAPA volunteer Marilyn Boese. "This made it very difficult for the judges to make their award selections. All the judges were new to us and they did a great job. Special thanks are due to the final judge, Jemima Harr, Executive Director-Curator, Humboldt Arts Council, Morris Graves Museum of Art, who determined the cash award winners." Enjoy this traveling exhibit this coming month, and support Mendocino County's seventeen magnificent State Parks. Sales of the artwork will go to support the Mendocino Area Parks Association. For more details please visit MendoParks.org.

While you're in a mood to appreciate art, learn about the art scene throughout Mendocino County from the Arts Council of Mendocino County.