Rockwall Art League to host Annual Fine Art Show

Weekend long event opens Oct. 27 at new venue

(ROCKWALL, TX – Oct. 25, 2017) The Rockwall Art League will host its 17^th Annual Fine Art Show & Sale Friday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club, 2600 Champions Drive.

“The Rockwall Art League had such an outstanding response from last year’s ‘largest ever’ show, we began searching for a larger venue. Once we discovered the Amenities Building at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club, our search was over,” said Jim Bryant, RAL president.

Bryant explained that the Amenities Building is a relatively new structure next to the Shores Country Club, featuring a full glass wall and deck overlooking the golf course, with a view of Lake Ray Hubbard. “The layout is larger than we’ve had in the past and offers full flexibility for the display of our artists’ fine work – set against the backdrop of one of the loveliest views in Rockwall,” Bryant said.

In year’s past, the RAL collaborated with the Rockwall Rotary Club to host the show at Rotary Hall. “We were so fortunate to have been able to use that space. We really appreciate the support of our local Rotarians,” Bryant said. “But the show continues to grow, and the time has come for a larger home.”

This year there will be a panel of three judges, including Donna Howell-Sickles – an accomplished artist known for her portrayal of the American cowgirl in art deco style. Blending realism with abstract style, her work represents the independence and strength of the cowgirl in the American West. She is an honoree of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and a sought-after art judge. Learn more about her at donnahowellsickles.com.

Celebrity judges will be Rockwall County Judge David Sweet and Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney Kenda Culpepper.

Sweet serves as Chairman of the Rockwall Art Commission, which helped bring a mural honoring Rockwall’s past and present to 110 S. Goliad St. as part of the Art in Public Places Project. Culpepper is a strong supporter of the arts and speaks fondly of her Art History and Appreciation courses at Texas Tech University.

“We think this cross-section of community, combined with the expertise of an accomplished artist and judge like Donna Howell-Sickles, will not only be a new experience for the show, but will also bring a broader perspective of input. As always, attendees can also cast a vote for their favorite artwork in the People’s Choice category,” Bryant said.

A highlight of the show will be an exhibit of art created by participants in the Art Reach program, which allows those with special needs to express themselves and further develop their creative abilities through art therapy. Ginny Hibbard, who coordinates Art Reach for the Rockwall community, brings the collection of pieces made by her students at Lakes Regional Community Center.

The RAL wishes to thank this year’s corporate award sponsors: American National Bank; Barbara Kelly, Independent Insurance Agent; Baylor, Scott, & White Medical Center, Rowlett; Heritage GMC Buick Rockwall; Lakeside Bank of Rockwall; Independent Bank of Rockwall; Rockwall Ford; Springhill Suites by Marriott; Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall; Toyota of Rockwall; Ingrid Minckler with Ebby Halliday Realtors; and Ashley Portals- Halcyon Marketing Services. Thanks also to RAL’s corporate supporters: Albright, Hill & Sumpter; Amica; Asel; Blue Ribbon News; Kroger; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Rockwall Arts Alliance; Rockwall Old Town Shoppes; Rocky Mountain Chocolate; The Flower Box; Tom Thumb; and Rockwall Women’s League.

By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.

Our monthly print edition is delivered free to 19,000+ homes in Rockwall and Heath, TX.