BY MALINDA OSBORNE
SVS REPORTER
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DIXON - Gorgeous weather, an eclectic mix of artists and a healthy turnout could qualify this year's Nuts About Art show at John Dixon Park as a success. The Next Picture Show sponsors couldn't ask for more in their first year taking over. The event was run the previous 25 years by the now-defunct Haymarket Art Guild.

Next Picture Show Director Bonnie Kime said she was pleased with the show's attendance and artists who signed up.

Because another major art show was happening in the northern Illinois area, a number of artists who usually attend were not there. Instead, about 10 new artists out of the more than 50 total took their places but with apparently a favorable outcome.

CLICK to see Winners!

Indeed, old mingled with the new seamlessly as visitors enjoyed perusing everything from oil paintings to jewelry to metal and wood sculpture. Even a few unconventional items were on display, such as recycled skateboards painted in shocking colors or babushka dolls emblazoned with images of Lucille Ball and Elvis Presley.

AWARD WINNERS in 2D

• 1st: Graydon Cafarella
• 2nd: Larry Gaskill
• 3rd: Tom Lindon

• 1st: Salem Barker
• 2nd: Jason Stroud
• 3rd: Dawn Mansfield

• Rick Sgro
• Joy Meyer
• Pat Lathe
• Richard Collopy
  

Newcomer Salem Baker, of Rockford, impressed the crowd with his towering abstract wooden sculptures that curved and spiraled delicately. The 27-year-old began wood carving four years ago when a bad storm hit Rockford and he began working with the uprooted trees. Only four months ago he became a full-time artist but in that time he's won a number of awards at the shows he's been in, including Saturday's event.

"It's a spiritual journey to make something, and if someone else finds value in it, too, and I can sell a piece, all the better," Baker said.

Show stalwarts also attended such as KSB's Petal Pushers and their framed flowers, Grand Detour photographer Bob Logsdon and Dixon silk painter Joy Meyer.

Dixonian Pat Lathe, founding member of the Haymarket Art Guild, showed her nature-inspired paintings for possibly the last time after 26 years.

"I will still keep painting but I haven't decided whether I'll come back next year or not," Lathe said.

Neighbors Patti Susan and Shirley Huffman know they'll be coming to the next show because it's been their tradition to do so for years. The two eat breakfast and come to the art show looking for items to decorate their homes or gardens.

"Before coming here I got extra money from the ATM just in case there's something I can't live without," Susan said.

Reach Malinda Osborne at (815) 284-2222, (815) 625-3600 or (800) 798-4085, ext. 526.