Date: Fri 02-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Newquist-artwork-Redding

Full Text:

Winning Artwork In Turn Becomes A Gift

(with cut)

NOTE: THIS IS CORRECT DATE ARTICLE RAN/DISREGARD FILE WITH 1997 DATE

By June April

REDDING - The silver anniversary of the Mark Twain Art Show & Sale closed last

month after a record-breaking two-week run in both sales and attendance. As in

the past, the 1997 show was juried by Redding resident Harry Philbrick, an

artist himself and the director of the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in

Ridgefield.

At the close of the show, ballots were tallied for the four traditional

People's Choice Awards. Nearly 400 visitors cast their votes for their

favorites in the show, which contained works by over 100 artists.

Winners this year were Ruth Newquist, a Newtown resident, in the watercolor

category, for her painting entitled "Sheep." Mrs Newquist received a BFA from

Moore College and has won a number of other awards, including the Grumbacher

Gold Medal of Honor from the Academic Artists Association.

For oil painting, the winner was Redding resident Carl Cassler, for "American

Dark Skies." Bethel resident David Gesualdi won the sculpture category for his

piece, "Nature's Garden." His work was recently shown at the National Academy

of Design in New York City and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.

Joan Lewis of Weston won the People's Choice Award in graphics for her

pen-and-ink sketch, "Simon." The award is a repeat win for Ms Lewis, who won

in the same category in 1996. Ms Lewis has had her work shown in area shows

including the Junior League Show at Burr Mansion, Fairfield, and BEL Gallery

in Westport.

According to Martha Korman, the chairman of this year's show, proceeds raised

by the 1997 show were almost double those of 1996. The People's Choice Awards

were created by the energetic Mrs Korman three years ago, offering visitors to

the exhibition a chance to choose their favorite works in four categories.

The Mark Twain Library is managed by the Mark Twain Library Association. The

library was founded in 1908 by Samuel Clemens - Mark Twain himself - one of

Redding's most celebrated residents.

The Giving Gift

Newtown artist Ruth Newquist was given a talent, which she has developed. Her

artistic skills were recognized by the viewers of the 25th anniversary Mark

Twain Art Show when she was chosen, by popular vote, to be awarded the honor

and monetary prize of The People's Choice Award in the watercolor division.

Having seen Mrs Newquist's painting, "Sheep," at the exhibit, Redding resident

Simon Rich decided to purchase the artwork. He presented it to his wife Nancy

last week as a Christmas present.

After giving some consideration as to where the best place in their home to

hang their new acquisition, the Riches now pass the painting, and find

themselves pausing... for it gives them pleasure to look at it. The work is

also giving Simon Rich further inspiration. The Redding homeowner says he is

even more determined to purchase some live sheep to add to the menagerie of

animals the family has on its mini-farm.