Sculpture on Main awards announced
Glynis Crawford Smith/The Highlander
Surrounded by completed sculpture and works in progress, 2016 Sculpture on Main Judge Susan Norris, meets with 72 Marble Falls Middle School students interested in art. The current official sculptor of Boy Scouts of America, Norris described her process and advised, 'Work on your art every day if you are serious about it.'
By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
With 11 new works in place, the 11th Annual Sculpture on Main in Marble Falls began officially Friday, Dec. 2, with a Meet the Artists reception and the presentation of four major awards.
Best of Show was awarded to “Bull's Eye,” and 8-foot tall, 2,500-pound creation by acclaimed New Mexico granite sculptor Candyce Garrett.
“We were pleased to receive an entry by a sculptor of Candyce Garrett's stature,” said Carolyn Bates of the board of directors of Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA), sponsor of Sculpture on Main. “The entry is valued at $120,000.”
The Commendation Award went to “Cache del Mar” by Marshall Cunningham and the People's Choice Award, to “Trois Jets D'eau” (Three Water Jets) by Helene Vachon and Mark Jaschke.
“We were able to add a new award this year—a Kid's Choice Award,” said Bates. “That went to the “Freshwater Cowgirl” by Anthony St. James.
St. James' whimsical mermaid is installed in front of city hall. “Bull's Eye” and “Cache del Mar” can be found in the center island across from the Marble Falls Police Department and the stained glass “Trois Jets D'eau” is north of the MFPD entrance, all on Main Street.
“We were honored to have Susan Norris, the official sculptor for the Boy Scouts of America, as our 2016 Sculpture on Main judge,” said Bates. “After the judging, she sat down with 72 students from Marble Falls Middle School for a demonstration and to help them learn about sculpting. The students had tours of Sculpture on Main and met other artists to hear about their work. They made the Kid's Choice Decision. We hope to make that a regular award with a cash prize in the future.”
Best of Show offered a $1,500 prize and Commendation, an award of $1,000. The People's Choice award for $500 was chosen by a committee that included Marble Falls City Manager Mike Hodge and Parks & Recreation Director Robert Moss, Midge Dockery of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation and local attorney Mark McCary, a long-time supporter of Sculpture on Main.
The Joe Manthiey Trio, and saxophonist Rodney Howell provided entertainment for 120 patrons who had come to meet the artists and enjoy the signature paella of chef Rafael Garcia and desserts by Steve and Michelle Parsons of Choccolatte's.
Award sponsors were Grand Bank of Texas, Best of Show; Erin Hinzmann of Ameripris, Commendation; People’s Choice, Kelly M. Walne, attorney at law.
All of the sculptures in the year-long Sculpture on Main exhibit are for sale. More details are available on the HLCA website: www.hlcarts.com or by emailing thearts.hlca@gmail.com.
