Annual "Rock the Boat" Exhibit Draws Crowd

This year's "Rock the Boat" exhibit offers an eclectic mix of styles and mediums, with over forty artists participating in the show. The opening reception drew a large and exuberant crowd. Several of the works on display elicited strong feelings and lively discussions.

Mike Leiner's assemblage piece titled "Doll House" kept viewers coming back for a second and third look, while Ilsa Hollings's clay and paint "Genies in a Bottle" sculptures had everyone making wishes. "Keep Your Shirt On" a fabric paint creation by Joyce Patti had viewers trying to guess what each colorful drawing depicted. The exhibit also offered pen and ink sketches, oil on canvas, wood carving, folk art, and dyed stitched silk.

"Genies in a Bottle" by Ilsa Holling

Former Cedar Key resident and gallery owner, George Sandora, was this year's judge. Mr. Sandora said he used several criteria in choosing the winners; did they represent the theme of the exhibit, did they generate curiosity, and were they intriguing enough to pull and hold his attention. "The final decision" Sandora said "is personal. Did I like the work and would I hang it in my home".

The winners were:

First Place

Mike Leiner for "Doll House" an assemblage piece

Second Place

Willy Smith for "Dreamcatcher" mixed media on canvas

Third Place

Ed and Sandy Allen for "Spirit of the Timucua" carved wood and driftwood

Honorable Mention

Joy Witman for "Sideshow – the Clown" acrylic

And

Lola Roppel for "Something Fishy"

The exhibit will be open to the public during the month of December at the Arts Center Gallery above the Keyhole on 2nd Street.

"Keep Your Shirt ON" by Joyce Patti - fabric paint

"Under Water Coat" by Virginia Stevenson - stitched and dyed silk