Local Artists Shine at Oak Ridge Art Show

The Oak Ridge Art Center kicked off its 59th Annual Judged and Juried Art Show on October 4, welcoming artists and visitors from across the state. More than 450 pieces of art were submitted, filling the galleries with creativity and color. This year’s judge, Riley Schwab, a professional museum curator, had the daunting task of narrowing down all those entries to just 120 pieces for final judging — no easy task with so much talent on display!
The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade once again made a strong showing at this prestigious event. Thirteen Guild members submitted 20 original works, and 11 of those were selected for the final round: Linda Engel, Kim Griffin, Jerry Knight, Manuel Marti, Twyla Marti, John Michael, Kirsten Murray, Sally Neckvatal, Tom Neckvatal, Ted Palfrey, and
Bob Stevens.
Four artists brought home awards, representing a wonderful mix of styles and mediums:
Kim Griffin (jewelry) – Moths on Parade won the Contemporary Metal Adornment Award for Wearable Art in Metal,
Twyla Marti (mixed media) – Forest Lace VI won an Honorable Mention,
John Michael (pottery) – Kaleidoscope won Excellence in Ceramics,
and Sally Neckvatal (mixed media) – Gulliver’s Travels won the Hugh Bailey Memorial Award for Wit and Whimsey (mixed media).
The show runs through November 15 and makes for a great day trip — it’s only about an hour’s drive away. Oak Ridge Art Center is located at 201 Badger Road in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.