While creating art is the perfect activity for any time of year, there seems to be something extra special about art created during the holiday season.
These upcoming winter, holiday, or end-of-year themed art events will provide enthusiasts — of art or the holidays — a great way to celebrate the work of local artists of all ages. Light the Path
To Pastel Art Exhibition At Leesburg Center For the ArtsNearly anything can be used to create an art piece.
With the mission of promoting pastels as a fine art painting medium since 2010, the members of the Pastel Society of Central Florida are showcasing their artwork during the “Bring On The Light” exhibition going on through Dec. 15 at the Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 West Magnolia Street, Leesburg.
The exhibition title reflects the important relationship between light and art.
“There is no art without light,” Richard Colvin, executive director of the Leesburg Center for the Arts, said. “Particularly for such a coloristic medium (pastel), the understanding of light sources, how color works, and its effect on mood and beauty is central to the effort.”
Often used by artists searching for high and bright levels of pigmentation in their work showing intense color, members of the society said that pastels are their preferred medium because it’s effectiveness for showing colors.
“It’s a permanent brilliant medium. I’ve been painting since I was 18 and I’ve used watercolors, painting on silks, oils, acrylics. I’ve used so many but none of that matters because pastels are my favorite,” said Joanie Ford, communication spokesperson for the society.
During the opening reception of the exhibition on Nov. 8, the present artists spoke about the meaning behind their work, complimented the talents of the other members, and honored the memory of Donna Tweedle, co-founder of the society, after her recent passing.
Members of the society also received awards from the fall exhibition — including best of show, first, second, and third place, merit, and others.
“Judges look for competency of the artists. They really go for the piece that has a ‘wow factor’, the piece that draws them in and they can’t stop looking at it,” Ford, a former judge for art shows, said.
Along with different colors and messages in the displayed art, viewers will enjoy the various techniques done by each member.
“There’s a lot to enjoy with these pastel paintings, including color, light, and a lot of stories in the paintings as well,” Colvin said. “Above all, the technical skill brought to the effort is inspiring.”
For more information about the society or upcoming exhibitions visit pastelsocietyofcentralflorida.com.
Students Show Their Care With Holiday Card Exhibition and Competition
Sending and receiving holiday cards remain a staple of the year’s final months — showing loved ones how much you care.
If those cards are handmade, it’s even better.
Showing off creative cards made by students in Lake County, the Lake County Arts Museum hosted the opening reception for the Holiday Card Exhibition on Nov. 7 and the exhibition will be on display through Nov. 30 at the museum, 213 W. Ruby Street, Tavares.
Students from 16 schools in Lake County participated in the exhibit, including East Ridge High, Faith Lutheran School, Fruitland Park Elementary, Grassy Lake Elementary, Groveland Elementary, Lake Prep School, Leesburg Elementary, and others.
“This exhibition provides students with the opportunity to showcase their artwork in a museum setting. It’s inspiring to see their faces light up when they view their own pieces on display,” Ileanne Buigas, executive director of the museum, said.
“This experience not only encourages them to continue expressing themselves through art, but also exposes them to the work of other artists.”
See Art at a New Angle With “The View from Here” Exhibition
Along with hosting showcasing various forms of art, the Lake County Museum of Art holds classes for its members and the public to help promote art education and enrich the community.
After a year of learning during art classes and exhibitions from encaustic painting to abstract art, members will be able to show off the new skills they have picked up or what artwork they have made during the upcoming members-only exhibition at the museum, “The View From Here.”
“The View from Here represents the artist’s unique perspective,” Bulgas said. “Everyone sees things differently, and we want to understand their view.”
The show, which will run from Dec. 6 to Feb. 1, features a range of artwork from 2-D art like painting and photography, and 3-D art pieces including sculptures and wearable art. The opening reception will be on Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.
“This program supports artists who may be beginning their careers or have not yet exhibited their work in a museum setting,” Bulgas said. “The Member Show is a juried exhibition, meaning each submitted piece undergoes a review process for acceptance.”
Members of the museum have until Nov. 22 to drop off their artwork for the show. There will be cash awards for first place 2-D, first place 3-D and People’s Choice art.
For more information about the Holiday Card Exhibition or to learn how to submit your art for “The View from Here” exhibition, visit lakeartmuseum.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
