Two sunshine filled days on the Manteo waterfront coupled with over 60 East Coast artists created the perfect setting for the 37th Annual New World Festival of the Arts on August 15 and 16.
Fiber artist and metalsmith Lisa LeMair, who creates wearable art inspired by her love of texture and unusual materials, juried the show. Photography, mixed media, fiber, basketry, wood design, watercolor, ceramics, and leatherwork were some of the media she observed.
“The Manteo waterfront is an ideal location to put art into context,” said Lisa LeMair. “The festival presented a nice array of work that spoke to a variety of audiences. While jurying the show, my first consideration was the artist’s composition, dynamic subject matter, and technical execution. I was looking for work that spoke of the place, which might be familiar to the audience, but approached in a new and exciting way.”
LeMair carefully selected the following winners:
Best In Show- Russell Yerkes from Tarboro, NC (watercolor)
Second Place- Barbara & Rick Umbel from Indian Harbour Beach, FL (jewelry)
Third Place- Timothy Moran & Janet Gaddy from Browns Summit, NC (ceramics)
Honorable Mentions- Pete Lewando from Avon, NC (photography), Kathy Wooldridge from Newport News, VA (glass), Ed Obermeyer from Virginia Beach, VA (acrylic), and Amanda Holden from Beaufort, NC (watercolor)
Best In Show award recipient Russell Yerkes has been painting all of his life, creating imaginative, aquatic themed watercolors.
“It is always humbling to be rewarded for the work we as artists create,” said Russell Yerkes. “Judging is discretionary in selecting the award winners when there are so many talented artists exhibiting in this wonderful arts festival. Showing and selling art is my primary goal when exhibiting, but I always enjoy meeting new artists and networking with those I have not seen for years. The crowds at New World were fantastic! Receiving the Best in Show award is a surprise and I am so thankful.”
Second place winners Barbara and Rick Umbel create one of a kind sea urchin and seashell jewelry from beach finds that they acquire from around the world.
“We always enjoy exhibiting at the New World Festival of the Arts,” said Barbara Umbel. “The quality of the artwork, the setting, and the support of Dare County Arts Council make it a pleasant show to exhibit at. Our collectors love to visit the event as well, making it a rewarding journey from Florida each time.”
Bringing an average of 5,000-6,000 attendees to the historic Town of Manteo each year, New World Festival of the Arts has been a Manteo tradition for decades, providing awareness of current trends in the visual arts. The festival was started by Manteo business owner Edward Greene.
New World Festival of the Arts is presented by PNC Bank. The festival is sponsored by Kitty Hawk Kites, Manteo Rotary Club, The Town of Manteo, Harrell and Associates, Avenue Grille, and Holiday House Weddings and Events.
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
For more information about Dare County Arts Council’s upcoming events, please click here or call 252 473 5558.