By Anthony Stanford –
Art lovers from far and near turned out to celebrate the 60th Annual Aurora Art League Members’ Show at the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora September 7.
Founded by art enthusiasts in 1919, the Aurora Art League was organized to encourage and provide opportunities for those interested in all forms of creative visual art, to promote high artistic standards, and to stimulate interest in and understanding of art.
Commenting about the event, the library’s executive director, Daisy Porter-Reynolds, said, “Arts and culture in Aurora are steeped in a rich and storied history. We’re so pleased to host this event and to participate in celebrating the work of the incredible artists.”
Thirty-four Art League member artists, whose work is in a variety of media including photography, illustration, and watercolor, were on hand to showcase 85 works of art. Among them were Tara Ginocchio and Julie Vander Meulen. Ginocchio’s textured abstract entitled ‘Waterscape’ was created using a technique called cold waxing, and Vander Meulen showed her exquisite soft pastel ‘Pot’s Rose of Sharon.’
Submitted photo
Winners of the 2018 Aurora Art League competition include:
• Best of Show – Midwest Marshlands in September by Carol Bonick;
• Best of Digital – Sunset In Rock Harbor, MA by Mary Rodriguez;
• First place: Oriental Flair by Mary Powers; Summer Bouquet by Pat Lundy; Sonoran Desert by Chuck Taylor;
• Second place: Gifts From the Sea by Joy Wheeler; Locked Memories by Linda Woods; Solstice Endinburgh by Mary Anne Cummings;
• Third place: Wild Hyacinth by Barb Gore; Pie Billed Grebe Family by Pamella Bernard; Entwined by Linda Palmer.
Emphasizing appreciation for art and culture, Aurora Art League chairman Jennifer Hunger said, “The Aurora Art League will celebrate its 100th anniversary in March 2019. It’s my hope that the arts and culture movement continues to flourish and that Aurora becomes a destination for those who love and appreciate art.”
The Aurora Art League conducts monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every month with the exception of December, January, and February. For more information about the Aurora Art League, or to apply for membership, please contact Auroraartleague@gmail.com.
Anthony Stanford is an author and Aurora Public Library Media Consultant.