Riverfest Art Experience simply delightful

Friday, September 9, 2016

Brianah Summons won 1st place in the High School Art Show with her painting of animals.

Clarksville's Riverfest Celebration Clarksville, TN – Riverfest Art Experience was a feast for the senses Thursday night. Celtic music by Red River Breeze enticed visitors to drift and dream, and maybe dance a little jig while munching on cheese, grapes, punch and some of the yummiest brownies on the planet.

There were paintings, drawings, photography, multi-media to please almost everyone. I spoke with Brianah Summons about her painting of her favorite animals which included a tiger, a wolf, and a horse all in brilliant colors and could have easily reminded one of carousel animals. Brianah was accompanied by her mother, Cordelia Marroquin who is, I’m sure, the Kenwood High School Senior’s best supporter.

I also met Diandre Mosley who sculpted the Man of Steel . He is a delightful young man and very talented. His 3-D Superman was the attraction of the night for the younger (under 6) set. Mothers and fathers were pulled aside to “look here” while the little ones stared wide-eyed at something they could relate to.

There were Yellow Creek crappie with 3-D eyes, fox kits, humming birds, wood peckers and illustrations and photos of beautiful black dogs with sad eyes, just waiting for someone to return. Copper relief bass swam peacefully in their frames, just waiting for the right lure, and a photo of deer skulls mounted on a barn wall gave one food for thought about the souls of long gone animals.

Flowers were in evidence at every turn. Dogwood blossoms and beautifully painted red roses were favorites, and I recognized a Moss Rose tea pot and cup that reminded me of my childhood tea service. Trees grew in fabric and pencil, pen and photographs, and a long forgotten rope swing hides in a beautifully sketched “We all must pass” pen and ink.

We must not forget the portraits of Native Americans, homeless men, children in prayer and tributes to our Military in photography. Victoria York’s “Frank: from the faces of the homeless Series” is not to be missed. The tattoo of the young woman’s face is haunting and you wonder what part she played in his life.

There is a beautiful drawing of “The Artist” which appeared to be in pastel and white charcoal pencil, and an amusing drawing of Yoda in brilliant green. Not to be missed is the striking “For Richer or Poorer” by Brendt Hardin with a message for those contemplating matrimony.

A young lady with Miss Austin Peay State University Hannah Johstono.

Uneeda Biscuit by Richard Roir is a delight for those of us old enough to remember it on the side of a downtown building, and Glendalough Cemetery by Carl Balerfous gives us a time to contemplate our time here on earth. The Temple of Apollo also makes an appearance in a photograph by Tabitha Sweitzer.

If you are looking for the unusual, “Smoke Rings” by Mary Sencalaugh is the painting for you, and “The Lobster Dock” by Donna Borris will make you want to sail away.

The exhibit is up for two more days. Please support our local artists and visit this free Art Celebration at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Liberty Park.