Hometown News

By Dale Smith

dsmith@hometownnewsol.com

NEW SMYRNA BEACH - Pretty Baby Boo-Boo sat on JoAnn Grissom's shoulder, unfazed over the hub-bub of activity surrounding him. He was concentrating instead on getting another piece of popcorn.

Pretty Baby is a 13-year-old peach front conyer and he and Ms. Grissom were winding their way through the crowds of the 34th Annual IMAGES Art Festival last weekend enjoying popcorn and a drink.

"He'd prefer some ice cream," Ms. Grissom said of Pretty Boy. "Sometimes if he's not feeling well, he'll just leave it alone."

And he did, opting for more popcorn while riding away on his master's shoulder.

The festival, presented by the Atlantic Center for the Arts, attracted 250 vendors this year.

From recycled metal junk to exquisitely designed gold and silver jewelry, artists of all media held court to an estimated 25,000 visitors.

Nancy Norman, director of advancement for the Atlantic Center for the Arts, said that although the second day of the festival was windy and cold, the crowds still came.

"It was a buying crowd," Ms. Norman said. "And we had great feedback from the artists."

Ms. Norman said this year about 100 of the vendors set up shop on Canal Street.

"We moved a lot of the vendors to Canal because we wanted to share the festival crowds with our local merchants," Ms. Norman said.

Mike Melone of Oviedo, Fla., does junk.

"I recycle about 95 percent of the junk metal I find and create art out of it," he said from his booth near the South Causeway Bridge. "I save the metal from going to China."

Mr. Melone said he has no preconceived idea what he would make out of the junk metal, it just comes to him.

His Southern metal folk art on display drew curious gawkers along with some high praise.

"I can't believe he did this with a crankshaft," one passerby said.

Lynn Fisher from Michigan, an artist now working and living in New Smyrna Beach, enjoyed her third year at IMAGES.

Her porcelain and stoneware creations depicting delicate dishes and vases with her signature snail on top of the lids brought in the buyers.

Now working at Clay Gallery Studio in New Smyrna Beach, Ms. Fisher said this is one of her favorite venues to display her work.

"I love it here," she said.

Along with numerous paintings, drawings and art displays, jewelry designers were also prevalent.

Patricia Karnes of Winter Park, Fla., was one of them. She was doing a brisk business selling her gold and silver necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

The booth belonging to the Jack Hill Studio from Beverly Hills, Fla., became a gathering spot for his off-the-wall artwork.

Two bananas on roller skates called "On a Roll," was priced at $3,600, while two cracked eggs with fingers protruding from them reaching out to touch was called "Sistine Soufflé." Its price was $1,600.

More than $100,000 in Patrons awards and cash prizes were given out. Festival awards were given in six areas by jurors Leslie King-Hammond and Ben Thompson.

"It's always a rare and humble honor to be asked by different art communities to come in and jury a festival," Ms. Hammond said. "The work at the IMAGES extravaganza was rich with diversity, technique, intellect, and exceptional artistry."

Festival-goers also enjoyed music throughout the weekend.

Among the headliners was the Spruce Creek High School 12 O'clock Jazz Band from Port Orange.

The 26-member band performed standards such as "In the Mood," "Too Close for Comfort," and "Green Eyes."

Also entertaining the crowds was the New Smyrna Beach High School Showdolls.

The dance troupe has won 10 national dance competitions, 15 state titles and has performed on some of the largest stages throughout America, including the Daytona 500, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and in New Year's Day parades overseas.

Top Festival Awards

Best of Show ($5,000)

William Kidd, Miramar, FL, ceramics

George and June Musson Award ($2,500)

John Kreiger, Midland, MI, painting/watercolor

Award of Excellence ($1,500)

Nathalie Torres, Kissimmee, FL, mixed media.

Awards of Distinction ($800)

Vadim Malkin, Maitland, FL, ceramics

Sandy Lent, Lake Mary, FL, glass

Wiwat Kamolporniwijit, Alexandria, VA, jewelry

Judi Wood, West Palm Beach, Fla., fiber/leather