Best in Show: Mount Gretna 2015

Overall, the caliber of talent was higher than the last show I attended in 2013, even though the subject matter in art tilted to the ordinary. I love seeing how past favorites are evolving and thrilled that several won the Judges Choice Award - all deserving, too...
Got stopped in my tracks (and bought) by the work of Annette Poitau, a Frenchwoman now residing in Ohio. She prefers the term "non-figurative" to abstract-  her technique is one of minimal brushstrokes and many layers of diluted oils, acting like watercolors. In many, the chroma all but shimmers and the impression is much like a Rorschach landscape - and as such, they evoke different responses. Check it out here and on her website www.annettepoitau.com

From Ben Nelson, a Plein Air artist from Lancaster-  one of my favorites and winner of Judges Choice Award. He incorporates soil and water on location as part of his medium...love, love, love and own one that always makes me pause...see more at www.bennelsonart.com

From Teresa Haag, another past favorite and Award winner...see more at www.teresahaag.com

From New York artist, Joseph Greico - these are smaller pieces and don't enlarge well...but love his moody landscapes and have one in my collection of 'smalls'...more at www.josephgreico.com

Want: Best of Harrisburg ArtFest 2013

There was a noticeable difference in this year's vibe: less of a gritty street festival and more like a leisurely art stroll...chalk it up to new organizers, the fact that we weren't panting in the shade or maybe a more carefully curated vendor selection, this was the first ArtFest 'want' almost became my master. My picks for Best in Show:

'Leaves by Jenny' garden fountain feature - beautifully made, well-priced and the kit contains everything you need
To Order

  

Barry Middleton of 'Woodsongs' creates these works of art in doors; obvious Craftsman style uses, but would also be wonderful in a zen-like bedroom

Two home-grown artists that are worth checking out: 

Tom Snyder of 'Swamphox Photography' has absolutely fabulous offerings of painterly, manipulated images - every home needs one...

Teresa Haag explores "environment, architecture and atmosphere" in her cityscape paintings...my first response brought to mind hints of an urban version of Maxfield Parrish's not-so-beautiful landscapes, but the longer I looked, I saw the heart underlying the brushstrokes; she's a painter to watch...