More than 50 painters and 15 photographers composed an exciting art event in Tarpon Springs, Florida, in late April this year. We’ve just received some results from the plein air portion. Who were the ribbon recipients?
With a natural Brooker Creek Preserve, parks, beaches, sponge boats, and Victorian architecture downtown, Tarpon Springs, Florida, seems a perfect place to host a good ol’ Quick Draw and Paint Out. That’s exactly what happened between April 19 and April 22, during the city’s annual Paint & Photo Tarpon Springs 2017.
Over 3 1/2 days, more than 50 painters and 15 photographers gathered for the event under constant sunshine and soothing breezes. For the Quick Draw, painters were given 90 minutes at Fred Howard Park and judging for several awards was on the spot.
Joe Palmerio of Sarasota, Florida, took home top honors as winner of the Quick Draw for his magnetic painting titled “Soft Moment, Howard Park.” The First Place ribbon for the event, which was presented by the city’s mayor, Chris Alahouzos, was awarded to Antwan Ramar for his work “Restoration Station.” Second Place was won by Kim Shields for “Aqua Quest.” Carole Loiacono took third place for her painting “Across the Anclote.” Finally, the Friends of Brooker Creek Award was given to Elaine Hahn for “Morning Stroll.”
Robert Simone served as judge, and there were also several artists who earned Honorable Mentions. Among them were Lionel Sanchez, Lynn Kopala, Robin Popp, Kathy Detrano, Jana Withers, Judy Pumfrey, and Joe Palmerio.
