May 16, 2008

News from the Villages

One of the big hits of the day was Bonnie Ashurst’s Community Painting Project where she and her helpers invited artists, non-artists, children and grandchildren to paint on the large canvas. EveIt will be framed by Charley Muller and displayed in the Arts and Crafts Room. Diane Dathe, Dotty Scheller and Alice Sullivan did a great job of organizing and directing the Villages’ 10th annual Art in the Park fesitival. Photo by Joan Fury

Art in the Park at The Villages

Local artists display talents

By Donna H. Eliason
Staff Writer

Local art enthusiasts and patrons enjoyed a balmy May 3 Saturday at the popular annual Art in the Park at Gazebo Park in The Villages. With the golf course as background, 33 vendors exhibited their artistic talents, with items ranging from paintings, jewelry, photography and mobiles to various handcrafts. Background music, food from The Clubhouse, and several large colorful balloon exhibits made by Villages employee Mwezo Kudumu, added ambiance to the festivities.

“I am delighted with this year’s Art in the Park,” said Diane Dathe, one of the coordinators. Diane majored in art but didn’t pursue painting because of family and work demands, until her retirement last June. Now she spends her time painting and taking art classes.

Diane Dathe reported that the judges in the Art Show and the Photography Show were pleased with the quality of the entries. Juror Connie Jordan gave Conné Hoffman the blue ribbon for art with her Iris. She awarded second place to Carol Williams’ Quality Time, third place to Diane Dathe for Love to Climb and honorable mention to Kelley Julien for Seattle Fishmonger. Dr. Alan Bernstein awarded Bob Greiss the photography blue for his Old Wall. Second place went to Taf Tafarrodi for Figs; third to Linda S. Narajo for Visions of Camelot; honorable mention to Michael Kulakoffsky for Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird.

–Diane Dathe contributed to the article

A visit from Mr. Roadshow

Gary Richards, "Mr. Roadshow" and Big Sir Larry Martinson strike a pose following Guest Speaker Richard’s talk to the Sons in Retirement (SIRS), Branch 114 at the Clubhouse Luncheon Meeting on Tuesday, May 6. Richards, a San Jose Mercury News columnist, shared his experiences in writing the popular column, "Mr. Roadshow." Photo by Thom Harney