Every work of art among the record 52 entries shows red, from the massive explosion of geraniums painted by Geraldine Zarate to the tiniest “little piggy” toenail, slyly drawn by Chris Sinclair.
How each artist “sees red” is the underlying theme of the current display at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, showing through Aug. 4.
“I’m Seeing Red,” is the second in the gallery’s summer art competitions. Local businesses underwrite the four-month series, with MesquiteCitizen.com sponsoring “Red.” The series is staged by the Virgin Valley Artists Association (VVAA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.
Art professionals who have judged this competition, awarded the following Judges’ Choice prizes:
Best of Show: “Murder of Crows,” No. 41, by Artist Moss Picard
Blue Ribbon – First Place: “Anasazi,” No. 50, by Artist Janet Trobough
Red Ribbon – Second Place: “Ceremonial Costume,” No. 18, by Artist Judy Heusner
White Ribbon – Third Place: “Maiden in Red,” No. 4, by Artist Janet Trobough
Honorable Mention (listed in alphabetical order by artist)
“Brakkie,” No.13, by Artist Judith Hetem
“A Radiant Beauty,” No. 37, by Artist Doreen Kinkade
“A Red Journey,” No. 7, and “Blue, Purple, Red,” #46, by Artist Kathleen Ludwig
“Boot Bouquet,” No. 6, Artist Carole Pedersen
“Seeing Red,” No. 44, by Artist Barbara Rowley
“This Little Piggy,” No. 51, by Artist Chis Sinclair
“Seeing Geraniums” No. 15, by Artist Geraldine Zarate
A reception was held Thursday, July 19, to award the winners.
With the closure of "I'm Seeing Red" on Aug. 4, the gallery will set up for its August, themed exhibit "Light and Shadow" and the work of Janice Koci, named August Artist of the Month by the VVAA.
Koci is a multi-talented, award-winning artist who recently moved to Mesquite from Wyoming. Her exhibit will feature her paintings in oil and acrylics, and her new-found interest in gourd art.
About a year and a half ago, Janice and her husband moved to Mesquite. They liked the area a lot because of the close proximity to southern Utah and the beautiful national parklands. They often drove through Mesquite on their way to Las Vegas, and when they decided to get away from snowy, cold weather, Mesquite was at the top of their list.
Koci says “The varied landscape of the desert and mountains lend itself to many artistic possibilities. I will photograph favorite places that move me, and then paint them.” Her favorite subjects are usually horses, dogs and grand scenery.
Koci is a member of the Virgin Valley Artists Association. She takes classes, volunteers and shows her work at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery. Her work will be featured from Aug. 7 through Sept. 1.
The gallery is located at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd. and is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in the summer. For more information call 346-1338, or visit www.mesquitefineartscenter.com .