Sun Shines on First Day of Art Show

It was perfect Florida weather as 80 artists exhibited their work on the shores of Lake Wailes Saturday, Feb. 23. The show continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.

It was Angela Pulido Wadsworth's first show. A hard-charging personal injury attorney for 21 years, she began painting after a battle with breast cancer sidelined her from her work as a trial attorney.

She created De Novo Art named for the Latin term that means to start from the beginning. The effects of her cancer treatment left her physically unable to bounce back and enjoy many of her regular recreational activities so she picked up a paint brush.

"In many ways, painting mimics life. Every painting, like every day, is an opportunity to start anew," Wadsworth wrote in her artists' statement. She said through her cancer battle and her painting she developed a deeper appreciation for the world in which she lives.

"When I slowed down to savor and study it, I discovered a new love for it. I thank God each day for the opportunity and the gift. Painting for me really has been like beginning again. My very own de novo trial at life."

Kenyatta Ray likely traveled the farthest to exhibit his colorful artwork. He lives in Heverlee, Belgium, and comes to the U.S. every other year to exhibit at festivals throughout Florida. Ray's flowing African garb are as colorful as his art, which start out as photographs. He strips the photos down to black and white and then adds bright colors to the mix.

Brannan Lawson teaches art at Hillcrest Elementary School, so for a long time she didn't take time to explore her own artistic talent. Now she's at the Lake Wales Art Show exhibiting bright paintings of flowers and prints of historical sites in Lake Wales which she produced during a personal exploration of her hometown.

Bob McGill from Signal Mountain, TN took advantage of the beautiful weather to create more art outside his booth. Using razor blades instead of brushes, McGill created colorful and whimsical art that became 3-dimensional when viewed with special glasses.

The 48th Annual Lake Wales Art Show is sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust. It kicked off with a Mardi Gras themed Friday night event that included New Orleans-style food and jazz music.

Rotary on the Ridge is the host of the artists' breakfasts Saturday and Sunday. Patrons of the arts enjoyed a special breakfast Saturday surrounded by Mardi Gras and New Orleans décor. Margie Sikes and Stephanie Eckstein coordinated the Friday night Art-B-Que and Saturday morning Patron's Breakfast. Diana Pillsbury served as registrar and communications liaison with the artists. Lake Wales Arts Council President Erica O'Neill and artist Blair Updike were co-chairs of the show.

There's something for everyone at the Art Show. Lake Wales Family Literacy Academy coordinated a tent where children could paint on canvases while exploring the book "Making Something Beautiful."

The show includes a variety of food trucks and ongoing entertainment throughout the show.

The show and parking are free.

For more photos: https://www.lakewalesnews.net/photos/02_23_2019