Local artists celebrated


Ten of the 11 pieces of artwork that Patch High sophomore Sara Dunn entered in the Stuttgart Arts and Crafts Contest will progress to the All Army level of competition.

Dunn, 16, entered her work in the categories of ceramics, drawings, mixed media 2-D, mixed media 3-D and water base painting. She garnered first, second and third place in novice ceramics, first and second places in novice mixed media 3-D, first and third places in water base painting, third place in novice mixed media 2-D and two honorable mentions in novice drawings.

“I felt euphoric when I received top honors in all those categories,” said Dunn, who plans to pursue a career in art. “I was surprised and extremely honored.”
Dunn was among 35 contestants to enter 100 pieces of artwork in this year’s U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart local competition of the 2011 Army Arts and Crafts Contest. Their work was displayed during an exhibition and awards presentation May 18 at the Swabian Special Events Center on Patch Barracks.

 Those who placed first, second or third or received an honorable mention in the local contest progress to the All Army level, said Kelly Sarles, Stuttgart Arts and Crafts Director.

Sarles said the annual contest provides local artists the opportunity to showcase their work to the USAG Stuttgart community and encourages budding young artists like Dunn.

“It’s a chance to see some good artwork done by family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and for the artists to share their talent and some culture with the community,” Sarles said. “It’s also a way to encourage young people to progress in art studies — there were some high schoolers and even some elementary students who entered.”

Two of the three pieces that contestant Ron Miyashiro entered in the accomplished oil base painting category will progress to the All Army level.  Miyashiro’s work, “Birth of a Cello,” captured first place and his piece, “Resurrection” received honorable mention.

Miyashiro, who said he usually paints with oils or acrylic, said that his first-place piece “Birth of a Cello” was inspired by “the smooth curves of the cello and the female figure.”

“The art of music has always inspired me and continues to be a main subject in most of my work,” he said. “… I am grateful and lucky to have placed first in my category because there are so many talented and creative people in our small community. The competition is always tough.”

While Miyashiro said he feels honored by the recognition, placing in the contest wasn’t as important as the “…inspiration, desire and motivation a competition brings.”

Sarles echoed his sentiment. “It is great to have the artists together — feeding off each other, motivating each other and sharing experiences with each other.”

For more information or to join the Stuttgart Arts and Crafts mailing list, call 430-5270/civ. 0711-680-5270.