Al Sonneberg’s “Wildflowers” won first place.
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published November 24, 2024
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Fine Art Society recently announced its winners for the art show at the Shelby Township Library.
The show, on display Nov. 11 through Nov. 25, had members of the public vote for their favorites.
This year, in first place was Al Sonneberg with “Wildflowers,” which was made with pen and ink.
Sonneberg said the ink drawing shows a summer day.
“The ambiguous title is intentional. The woman seems to live in the moment enjoying the meadow and wanting to extend the feeling by taking flowers to her home,” Sonneberg said.
In second place was Barb Galster with “Trellis at Cranberry Lake.”
Galster said this oil painting was begun at Cranberry Lake with a group of plein air painters from Paint Creek.
“A beautiful variety of green is balanced by a red rose trellis. Interesting angles created by the shadows lead the viewer through the scene,” Galster said.
In third place was Cathy McCarthy with “Artic Spa.”
“This is a 16-by-20 oil on canvas. I basically draw inspiration from nature, and life on a glacier seems like it would be the most inhospitable place for comfort. This sea lion is perfectly well adapted to live in this frozen paradise. Survival is everything,” McCarthy said.
Those that received honorable mentions included “Snowfall,” by George Joudas, made with acrylic.
“I call it a ‘Pathway to Kid Rock’s House.’ It has clear focal point, directional flow and strong dramatic color to it,” said Joudas.
Next was “Curiosity,” by Diane Radke, made with colored pencil
“This is my first attempt at abstract. ‘Curiosity’ represents our cat looking out a window toward a lake and sailboat. It was done for a meeting at the Colored Pencil Society of America’s President’s Forum several years ago. It is 100% colored pencil and has appeared in several exhibitions and won awards in some of them.” Radke said.
Last was “Self-Portrait,” by Karen Alber, made of acrylic.
“This self-portrait expresses my feelings about our divided country. It makes me sad that we are so divided,” said Alber.
For more information on the society, visit its Facebook page.