The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association held an opening reception and awards ceremony for the Southern Appalachian Artist Guild’s (SAAG) Autumn Member show Saturday, October 16.
SAAG, which was started in 2007, is an organization of artisans and craftsmen from several states, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, who have been brought together to promote the business and professional development of its member's artists. There are currently 170 members in SAAG.
This particular showing was for SAAG members only since “I feel like we have to thank members because they have supported for many years, so that’s why I pushed for this year to do awards show for members. ...All good artists here in Blue Ridge, so thank you to all of you,” said SAAG President Marie-Luce Van Asten.
The three categories in which artists submitted their work to be judged were 2D, 2D Other, and 3D. The awards were handed out at the opening reception with awards earning for each category $100 for third place, $200 for second place, $300 for first place, and $400 for Best in Show.
SAAG member Suzy DesLauriers was the exhibit judge.
In the 2D category, Kim Hamby, of Blairsville, Georgia, took third place, Keith Burgess, of Hiawassee, Georgia, took second place, and Joanna McNally, of Blue Ridge, took first place.
In the 2D another category, Mary Zoller Lightner, of Young Harris, Georgia, took third place, Tom Chambers, of Blairsville, took second place, and Marilyn Williamson, of Cherry Log, Georgia, took first place.
In the 3D category, Robin bird Smith, of Blairsville, took third place, Rita Poole, of Blue Ridge, took second place, and Marie-Luce Van Asten, of Blue Ridge, took first place.
Best in Show went to Joe Basco, of Mineral Bluff, and the President’s Choice Award went to Nancy Burns, of Montauk, New York.
All the artworks submitted for the show are on display and for sale until November 12 at The Art Center, which is located at 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge.