Monday, Aug. 30, 2010

Deadline for art show submissions is fast approaching

There's no entry fee, but space is limited; viewing is free, too

Los Banos Arts Council will be accepting submissions for an upcoming show for another week.

Registration for the council's fifth Weekend with the Arts must be done by Sept. 3.

Joan Bengtson, one of the event's organizers, said the council uses the show to fulfill its mission to the community.

"We started the art shows in order to bring visual arts to the community," Bengtson said.

Though space is limited, Bengtson said, the show does not typically exceed the allotted space.

"I think it's going to be a modest show," Bengtson said about the show's size. "But, It's going to be a good show."

Bengtson said artists will not be charged for submitting their work, and artists high school-aged and older of any skill level are welcome to submit work of any kind other than photography.

Bengtson, an artist herself, said it is rare for artists to find a show with no entry fee.

Dorothy Jones, a 78-year-old retired hospital employee, has painted for 40 years, but the council's art show will be her first. She plans to show four paintings.

Jones, a resident of Los Banos for 13 years, said she entered the show primarily because it is free. However, it is also a chance to meet other artists.

"This is sort of a steppingstone to get familiar with some of the painters (in Los Banos)," Jones said.

The show, Jones said, is also a good way to exchange ideas with other artists. She said otherwise she only knows one other person, her granddaughter, who can relate to the time, effort and research that goes into each piece.

Jones, who tends to paint large scenes that tell a story, said she often paints according to requests from family, friends and customers.

Linda Brown, another of the show's organizers, said since this particular show is in its fifth incarnation, it has gathered a regular group of artists who show every time.

However, she said it tends to add a handful of new artists each time.

"We're really excited about getting new people into the show," Brown said.

Artists who want to register before the deadline can call Bengtson at 261-6171 or Brown at 899-1341. The Ted Falasco Arts Center, 1125 Fifth St., will be the site of the art show from Sept. 9-12,.