Porterville Art Association has a ‘best of show' winner

The Porterville Art Association has a Best of Show winner for its first Open Show Contest.
Ernie Weerasinghe, a member from Visalia, took the coveted place with his painting of a woman titled “Nude.”

Artist Bill Tungate said he was surprised the painting won Best of Show, but it is “good work.”

“It’s a great study in form, the color and design made us decide to accept the painting,” Tungate said. “What’s great about it is the flesh color and balance and the tension of the color. But when we accepted it we had no idea the judges would chose it for best of show.”

Artists came from across the Valley to participate. An open show, Carol Byker, association director, means non-members can show along with the members of the association.

Members and non-members flocked into the gallery to submit their artwork on Saturday, Feb. 13. More than 100 pieces of art in eight different categories were judged by the three judges — Kevin Bowman, Varian Mace and Ellen Gorelick. All are remarkable valley artists, Byker said.

The judging was held at the gallery on Monday, Feb. 15.

Artist Mary Miller was happy about the turnout.

“So many came to participate, it shows our reputation is growing,” she said.

Local artist such as Bob Goetting, George Stewart and Sue Marcotte submitted work.
Marcotte earned 3rd Place for her Sea Otter Reaction, a mixed media on silk.

Goetting’s Against The Wind, a depiction of the ocean just outside Cambria, didn’t place, but still captures the viewers attention with its use of color and soft design.

Tungate garnered 1st place in the pastels category for his Bartlett Park Morning, a painting that was immediately sold.

A wide variety of mediums including digital paintings and photography were represented in the show.

A young man who works for the forest service decided to bring in three photographs that capture attention, Tungate said. Marty Weekly, an internationally renown artist living in Exeter brought in his work.

Results of the open show contest are now up for viewing, and the show will run through April 3.
A reception for the artists will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28 at the gallery.

Tungate said association members are excited about all the participation.

“This was the first time we did this so we didn’t know what to expect, but people came from over, including from the Alliance of California Artist,” Tungate said. “Marty [Weekly] is so talented and is just such a nice person. We’re pleased as punch to have three of his paintings.

“I think what’s great about the open show is we mined talent we didn’t know was here. We want to build on that as we continue to expand.”

Contact Anita Stackhouse-Hite at 784-5000, Ext. 1043, or astackhouse-hite@portervillerecorder.com.

How to attend
What: Viewing of Open Show Contest offerings
When: Now through April 3. Gallery hours are from 0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
Where: 152 North Main St.
Admission: Free
For more information, call 784-4323.