After several years, the Galva Arts Council returned its annual art show to the forefront of events. Thirty-seven entries lined the north and south walls inside the building, showcasing the talent of local artists, young and old, professional and amateur.
“We had a wonderful turnout,” said GAC board president, Linda Getter. “All of the submissions were great.”
An open house was held on Saturday, April 19, for the public to view the entries, talk with the artists, and enjoy some music, coffee, and treats. Those attending were treated to a musical combo that included harpist Deirdre Light, her sister Fiona on the accordion, and Shane Garcia on the piano. Attendees were encouraged to vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” with the ballot box filling quickly.
A juried show, Lisa Walker, professor of Art, and gallery director for Carl Sandburg College, determined the awards earlier in the evening. Walker obtained an MFA in mixed media from Bradley University in 1993 and a BFA in printmaking from Rockford College in 1990. Getter noted that Walker was very impressed with the work presented.
In the two-dimensional category, Marinn Cisna was the first-place winner. Her entry, “Bringing Her Home,” was done in oil and featured a young girl gently embracing a cat. In addition to her artistic flair, she is also a musician.
Ponce says that she finds inspiration in the seemingly ordinary, listing Midwest landscapes, still life, and portraits among her favorite things to paint.
Second place in that category went to watercolorist Nicole (Nikki) Ponce. “Rose” is a striking pen and watercolor portrait, highlighted in shades of purple and yellow. An adjunct professor at Carl Sandburg, she studied art and printmaking at Eastern Illinois University.
Katrina Morrison took third place with “Seeing the Artist Soul”, done in acrylics. She is the owner of Garden Thyme in Bishop Hill, where she sells antiques, heirlooms, and her own garden-inspired artwork and jewelry. Morrison is currently in the process of converting part of her store into a workshop and is heading for classes across the sea in art-filled Tuscany.
In the three-dimensional category, Jeff Goard’s wheel-thrown with porcelain and electric fired motif tea pot, titled “Delightful,” was awarded first prize. He is the owner of Jeff Goard Pottery, where he produces and sells a variety of hand-thrown pottery. He frequently teaches classes for both beginner and accomplished potters.
Sarah Wisely’s stained glass coneflower took second prize. Wisely is a newcomer to the GAC board of directors and is a well-known local artist. She is the owner of FlyCrane Studios, where she works with several mediums to create stunning artwork. Getter is pleased to have someone with her talent as part of the Council.
Third place went to ROVA third grader, Maria Ponce. Her Maria Kahlo doll was initially done as a class project. She and her fellow students each developed a program on a favorite artist. In addition to sharing a first name, the young artist dressed in the same dress and hair flowers as Kahlo when she did her classroom presentation. She comes from an artistic family and entered two paintings into the art show in addition to the doll.
Those receiving honorable mentions were:
Sheri Wood for her “Tree Pot.” Wood explained that she got the inspiration for the design while hiking along the Hennepin Canal. The gnarled trees encircled by vines helped her imagine such a pot. Wood also works with indigo dyes to create lovely shawls and scarves.
Sarah Wiseley for “Rust Watercolor,” her rendition of rusted farm machinery she saw at an Old Threshers gathering in Iowa. According to Getter, Wiseley finds rusty old farm equipment the most interesting to paint.
Addison Moore, for “Cherry Delight,” done in colored pencil. Moore is the recipient of the 2025 GAC scholarship. She plans to attend college at Coastal Carolina University next fall to study marine biology with a minor in art.
The linocut “Maiden” earned Katrina Morrison an additional nod.
Best of Show went to Ben Anderson for his sculpture “Green Fishy.” Anderson, a well-known area artist and illustrator, was encouraged to submit his entry by his wife, Nancy. Getter said, “He told me he only did it to support the Arts Council’s efforts and was both surprised and pleased to win an award.”
The artwork was on display throughout the week. Artists can pick up their work on Saturday, April 26. Some of the artwork is listed for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Arts Council.
According to Getter, the GAC will have two events in early May. First, a workshop on May 3, on how to create a spring basket with a variety of flowers from Galva’s Rambling Rose flower shop.
The event begins at 9 a.m. with a fee of $25 to cover the cost of supplies. Registration forms are available at the Arts Council building, the Rambling Rose, or by emailing galvaarts@gmail.com.
The second is the annual “Spring in Bloom” celebration on May 10. The public is invited to join the GAC board from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for special activities throughout the day.
Garden vendors in Veterans Park, a free make & take for both kids and adults, a luncheon with music ($5 donation requested) and tickets for the raffle featuring lovely décor will welcome spring to the area.
Getter extends her appreciation to all those who made the Art Show possible.
“Everyone who took part should be proud of their efforts,” she said.
