Village Alliance Announces Art Walk Winners

Four local artists won cash prizes for their artwork displayed in the Second Annual Maplewood Art Walk and Music Fest, hosted by the Maplewood Village Alliance (MVA) and Maplewood Department of Cultural Affairs.

The event drew in hundreds of visitors for more than 40 local artists, photographers, and jewelry makers. The Fest also featured hands-on children’s activities, live music by local bands, and restaurant specials.

More than 30 local merchants participated in the Art Walk & Music Fest.

The winners were announced at Highland Place Restaurant by judges Jim Oliver, Ann Schaffer and Tara O'Leary, all members of the art community.

"It was a pleasure to see so many proud and serious artists come out to show their artworks,” said Schaffer. “All mediums were well represented, including oil, photography, drawing, collage, pottery and jewelry.”

The winners include:

• Best of Show: Berc Ketchian - $200 Cash Prize
• First Place: Richard Koch - $100 Gift Certificate to Lorena's Restaurant 
• Honorable Mention Jewelry: Susan Napack - $50 Gift Card to King's Grocery Store
• Honorable Mention Pottery: Laura Hanley - $50 Gift Card to King's Grocery Store

“I was thrilled and delighted to win first place and come in second behind Berc, a truly masterful oil painter,” said Koch. “It gives me great pleasure to hear and see people revel in one of my images that lights up their vision so that a positive feeling flows from the work.”

“We are thrilled for the winners, and with such a talented field of artists displaying such diverse and original work, we are sure it was a difficult decision,” said Julie Doran, manager of the MVA. “We thank sponsors, Mona Lisa Framing and Vanessa Pollock of Keller Williams Realty, Restaurant Lorena's and King's of Maplewood for supporting the event with these awards.”

The MVA thanks supporting sponsors No. 165, Village Trattoria, Geralyn’s Art Studio, Perch Home, The Tenth Muse Gallery, Highland Place Restaurant and the Alternative Press, and would like to acknowledge the work of the organizing committee: Geralyn Robinson of Geralyn's Art Studio, Michele Bessey of Perch Home, Erin Rogers Pickering of Erin Go Paint, Liz LeClair of Safeguard Printing and Pete Cenedella for booking and coordinating the live music.