Photo/Jerry Callaghan, Callaghan Photography
Grafton – On Nov. 7, the Small Stones Festival of the Arts opening, held at One Grafton Common, was enjoyed by a large crowd who enjoyed the artwork, the cocktails, finger food and camaraderie. In all, 144 pieces of art were on display throughout the weekend showcased photography as well as fine art paintings and drawings from 77 artists. The Kelly Clark Quartet provided lovely background music. On Nov. 8, two of the judges from the festival gave talks on what pieces caught their attention and why. Nancy Burns and Jim Welu from the Worcester Art Museum critiqued the artwork in a very informative lecture. The show continued until Nov. 10.
In the Fine Art category, Carol Arnold of Northbridge won first place for her oil on panel portrait, “Kendall.” Marsha Gleason of Northborough was awarded second place for her direct oil painting, “Pa and Pentimento.” Third place was given to Carolyn Kinloch-Winkler of Grafton for “A Gaggle of Geese,” an oil painting. Juror choice awards were given to Grafton’s Anya Leveille for her still-life oil painting “Little Red Teapot” and to Framingham residents Sharon Whitham for “Balance #2,” a monotype, oil on paper and Janet Montecalvo for her oil painting on wood “May the Best Balloon Win.”
In the Photography category, the first-place winner was Richard Lapping of Framingham for his “Sun Voyager, Reykjavik.” Second place was awarded to David Long of Shrewsbury for his “Night Fishing.” Matt Reynolds of Plymouth won third place for “Fire and Ice.” Judge’s choice awards were given to Gail Rousseau of North Attleboro, “The Nightgown,” Anne Greene of Rutland for “Lily of the Valley,” Ben Carroll of Roslindale for “Ghost Town” and Diane Norman of Hadley for “Shop Closed.”
This year the attendees of the Festival voted for popular choice awards. In the Fine Art category, Grafton resident Bonnie Frederico’s watercolor batik “Portugal” was chosen and David Long of Shrewsbury was honored in Photography for “Night Fishing.”
The festival is a collaboration of three arts organizations – Apple Tree Arts, Worcester County Camera Club and Blackstone Valley Art Association. The mission of the Small Stones Festival of the Arts is to elevate the practice and appreciation of fine art and photography in the Blackstone Valley and beyond.
