PORT ANGELES — In fewer than two hours, Poulsbo artist Robin Weiss created a painting called “Architecture, Art and Nature” of a sculpture in front of the Fine Arts Center.
It earned him first prize in the “Quick Draw” contest, part of the “Paint the Peninsula” art event that featured painting being done “en plein air” Sunday at the center at 1203 E Lauridsen Blvd.
In addition, a paint-by-numbers-style community art mural, based on Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” was set up near the entrance of Webster’s Woods, where April Watkins, an assistant at the fine arts center, guided members of the community in the re-creating the masterpiece.
Community members helped with the effort, including Zach Brandon, 14, and John Teichert, 71, both of Port Angeles.
“It’s a brand-new event, and we consider it very successful,” said Robin Anderson, director of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center.
More than 100 guests attended a gala event Saturday night, she said.
On Sunday, visitors drifted through in groups, enjoying both the indoor and outdoor displays, face painting, and other artistic endeavors.
In the community art contest, 32 entries in youth teen and adult categories were judged by visitors, and there were some surprises as unknown artists turned in good-quality work.
“A lot of these people have never done anything in art before,” Anderson said.
Linda Adams took best in show for community art; Roger Morris won first prize in the adult category; Madi Drew took top honors in the teen category; and Theron Davenport received first prize for youth.
Nancy Davenport, 70, of Port Angeles, grandmother of youth winner Theron Davenport, at the event to see her grandchildren’s art said she was impressed by the whole art show.
“It’s a nice turnout for a first-time event,” she said.
“Drifting,” a painting by Emilia Lane featuring a scene at the mouth of Salt Creek, took Best in Show.
It was displayed inside the gallery, along with a mock-up of a wine label featuring the painting.
The label will be used on a wine to be bottled especially for future art center events, Anderson said.
First place was earned by Susan Ogilvie for a painting titled “Salt Creek Marsh.”
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsula dailynews.com.
