Shelby Fine Art Society members receive awards during Shelby art fair

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Fine Art Society recently announced the members of its group who received special awards during the Shelby Township Art Fair Aug. 10-11.

During the art fair, attendees were able to cast votes for their favorite art works by members of the society. Four Shelby Township Fine Art Society artists had paintings that were voted community favorites.

There were 2,815 votes cast to come up with the four winners.

First place went to Cathy McCarty for “Majestic Blue.” Second place was awared to Karen Ann for “Whispered Grace.” Third place went to Diane Radke for “Chasing Rainbows,” and an honorable mention was given to Bea Allebone for “Alpha Pair.”

Sara Katsavrias, president of the society, said the members came through with another impressive art show for those who attended this year’s Shelby Township Art Fair.

“We had 81 pieces of art from 30 members of our very talented group. There were 2,815 votes cast in this People’s Choice-awarded show to come up with four winners. We have many winners in Shelby Township’s Fine Art Society and look forward to showing the community our work for many years to come,” she said.

McCarty said she loves painting nature, especially endangered species.

“One of my favorite beasts to paint is the African elephant, who have almost been lost to poaching due to their beautiful ivory tusks. That is why I always paint my elephants with a broken tusk — to remind us that humans have the power to help them stay on the earth we share with them,” she said.

Ann said “Whispered Grace” was created “to show the perfection found in nature, as shown in a single petal’s delicate detailing and beautiful colors.”

Radke said “Chasing Rainbows” shows a dog named Dexter having fun chasing bubbles.

“He always enjoyed playing outside and would chase most anything. The artwork is 100% colored pencil on black paper,” she said.

Allebone said “Alpha Pair” is an acrylic painting of intelligent, devoted and caring grey wolves in a 20-inch-round cradled wood panel.

“Thank you to the Shelby Township Art Fair and C & G Newspapers for supporting the arts and Shelby Township Fine Art Society,” she said.

For more information on the fair or awards, visit shelbyartfair.org.