ORC Art Show Report
Xoanon @ 7:27 pm EST

Alyse, ORC Art Show Director, writes: The Art Show at this year's ORC went amazingly well. We had so many talented artists from around the country sharing their work with the fans in attendance. And the fans were in for a real treat!

Tim Kirk displayed many of his original paintings that were used in the 1975 Hobbit calendar. Theresa Mather shared her incredible artwork including unique paintings on feathers. Colleen Doran gave fans a glimpse of two new original pieces inspired by The Lord of the Rings. Don Flaws had his comical caricatures on display. He was also drawing fans dressed up as Elves and Hobbits throughout the weekend. Rhonda Morgan also entertained fans by beautifully playing her harp on Friday and Sunday. And quite a number of amateur artists had ceramic pieces, drawings, paintings, and digital artwork on display and for sale.

On Friday, we held the first Iron Artist competition. This one hour event was a hilarious experience and a chance to see professional and amateur artists creating artwork from scratch. The host Tadao Tomomato entertained the crowd and judges as we spoofed the Iron Chef show. The theme for the competition was "Ent-Wives" and this proved to be an inspiring challenge for the artists. Amateur contestant Olga Bosserdt upset Colleen Doran in the "Illustration" category, Don Flaws won the "Cartooning" category against amateur Ashley Taylor, and amateur Aubrey Guilbault narrowly won the "Children's Illustration" category going up against the talented Cynthia Cummens. All of the original pieces created during the event were later displayed in the Art Show room and auctioned off Sunday afternoon to benefit VSA Arts (www.vsarts.org). We raised almost $500 for the non-profit organization.

Throughout the weekend, fans could vote on their favorite artwork displayed in the Art Show. As well, children attending the convention could also pick their favorites. The Art Show staff selected the top 3 amateur artwork in the show too. Quickbeam announced the winners of the Art Show at the One Ring Awards party:

Kid's Choice – "Burning of Esgaroth" by Charles Burggraf

Fan Favorite –

1st "Burning of Esgaroth" by Charles Burggraf
2nd "The Fellowship of the Rings" by Suvi Utermohlen
3rd "Back Again" by Charles Burggraf

Best in Show – Amateur Category

1st "Guardian" by Olga Bosserdt
2nd "Lothlorian" by Kate Cunningham
3rd "Galadriel's Ewer" by Nancy Steinman

Big thank you to all of the wonderful artists who shared their work with us and participated in this year's art show. And thanks to all the fans who took the time to visit the art show during such a busy weekend. We hope you enjoyed it!