Art show draws big crowd

There was a packed house for the Art Show at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Friday night.

Art enthusiasts viewed 200 original works, bid on items at a silent auction, and enjoyed refreshments.

Art Show Director Mike Matyniak said 48 area artists participated. All types of art media were offered, including oil, water colors, acrylics, mixed media, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and fine woodwork.

He said artists like participating in this show because they pay only a 30 percent commission compared to 50 percent or more at a gallery.

Matyniak said the proceeds from the art show and the silent auction are donated to 18 local organizations. He expects about $16,000 will be available.

A committee reviews applications and will mail the checks in a few weeks.

Some of the local organizations are Head Start, Interfaith Caregivers, Habitat for Humanity and the Family Area Network Dental Van.

All of the art pieces were juried by Joanne Donaca, an artist from Bend. Using a six-point scale, she chose three pieces for major awards and eight for a judge's choice.

Donaca spent several hours on judging. The process is done anonymously with each piece identified only by a number.

She said color, composition, value relationships, drawing, technical skill, creativity and presentation are the categories she used for judging.

Dennis McGregor was awarded Best of Show for "Show Dog," a Gouache style of painting. Donaca said this is a type of water color, only heavier, more opaque, with greater reflective tendencies.