ROCKPORT, TEXAS -- While unpredictable weather washed away the plans of many visitors to visit Rockport over the Fourth of July holiday week, it certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of exhibitors and attendees when it came to the annual Art Festival, sponsored by the Rockport Center for the Arts.
Now in its 38thyear, the festival has grown to include a broad spectrum of mediums from more than 125 artists across the country.
In addition to showing and selling their artwork, exhibitors are also judged by a jury, comprised of Steve R. Maness, Sharon Forsythe and Rebecca Bridges-Rice, with ribbons and cash awards given to artists who are designated “Best of Category” in their respective medium and special recognition to one individual for “Best of Show”.
This year’s “Best of Show” was awarded to Ping Irvin of Sugar Land. Ping has painted all her life. She graduated from Yunnan Art College in 1982 and was given professorship in 2003. She is strongly influenced by Europe, echoing Paul Klee, Henri Rousseau, and Botticelli. Frida Kahlo is also referenced.
In China she is listed in “Who’s Who in Modern Chinese Art”.
She has sold work to collectors all over the world, including China, Thailand, Japan, Germany and the United States. In 2005 she came here to marry artist Craig Irvin.
(see more at www.craigirvin.com/ping)
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BEST OF SHOW:Ping Irvin, Sugarland, TX (Painting)
BEST OF PAINTING:Peter Andrew, Nacogdoches, TX
BEST OF SCULPTURE:Robert Adams, Duncan, OK
BEST OF DRAWING/PASTEL:James Offeman, Missouri City, TX
BEST OF CERAMICS:Dale Neese, San Antonio, TX
BEST OF WOOD/FIBER:Ted Armulowicz, Liberty Hill, TX
BEST OF JEWELRY:Laura Boudloche&Jennifer Randall, Austin, TX
BEST OF PHOTOGRAPHY/PRINTMAKING:Robin Renee Hix, Wimberley, TX
BEST OF MIXED MEDIA:Kathleen Marie Wilson, Johnson City, TX
BEST OF GLASS:Gini Garcia, San Antonio, TX
BEST OF OTHER MEDIA:Philip Dewey, Boerne, TX
Special Thanks to all of our artists who came to share their work this year.
All of you help make each year a success!