Talented artists show their stuff

Blasts of color jumped from canvases Saturday during the Iowa Artists art show at Southwestern Community College. A variety of media was on display throughout the 59 exhibits. “You could have heard a pin drop when the judge spoke to the exhibitors,” said SWCC Continuing Education Director Barb Stephens, event host. “The exhibitors were impressed by what she said to them.” Stephens said there were 23 exhibitors displaying work. Patricia Padgitt of Beaconsfield displayed work in pen and ink, as well as a watercolor. “I consider myself an amateur,” said Padgitt. “There are some professional artists displaying.” Padgitt said she has been sketching and painting for eight or nine years, since her retirement brought her back to her hometown. “I wanted to do something in the arts because they are open ended,” she said. “You can always learn something new.” Rebecca Abarr of Redding displayed two pieces of her work. Abarr said she grows willow for use in her craft. “I use different materials,” said Abarr. “There are only two types of pine needles that can be used for weaving — Ponderosa, which can be grown in Iowa and Longleaf, which I get from Georgia.” Abarr said she likes working with pine needles because they are portable. “I have two teenagers,” she said. “I can take them (pine needles) with me, where I can’t (take) willow.” There are a variety of materials that can be used to weave, said Abarr. “There are lots of things you can weave that are grown here in Iowa,” said Abarr. “Gladiolus and Iris leaves are great to work with.” During the show, Janet Heinicke critiqued each exhibit. Heinicke, an artist herself, is professor emeritus at Simpson College and teaches at the Des Moines Art Center. “I paint, am a printmaker and a draftsman,” she said. “I have been doing it all my life.” She said the work on display shows integrity. “It’s honest work ,” she said. “It doesn’t look like someone else’s work.” ____________ Valarie Allen can be reached at 782-2141, ext. 233 or vallen@crestonnews.com