IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts Celebrates Success of 32nd Annual Event

Bright skies, incredible music, and the talent of 206 fine artists from around the country combined for a spectacular 32nd annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts this weekend, attracting over 30,000 arts enthusiasts. Presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, the festival is sponsored by the County of Volusia, Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, City of New Smyrna Beach, State Farm Insurance, Riverside National Bank, Bright House Networks, and BellSouth The Real Yellow Pages. Over $100,000 in Patrons Awards and cash prizes were given. Festival awards totaling $20,500 were given in six areas by jurors Mark Ormond and Tonja Softic.

“The overall quality of the work was outstanding,” said Ormond. “We chose the best objects in each booth, and interestingly, Tonja and I had similar tastes, particularly with three-dimensional work that focused on the simple integrity of the materials. It was difficult to choose in the jewelry and photography categories because there was so much significant work. The painting was very strong in this festival, and I find that unusual, that often good painting is not well represented in an outdoor festival. The weather was perfect, it was a beautiful, tranquil day, and  people were very interested in the work in the booth, they really were engaged.”

Softic commented on the judging, saying “I looked for originality of vision, whether it was manifested in direct observation or appropriating other images or objects. What I liked seeing a lot was there was a great deal of reclaimed, recycled materials used in the art, and I think that’s a fabulous example artists can give to everyone, to reclaim not just consume. I’m always fascinated that in Florida you go to the outdoor shows and you see first-rate artwork, and that is not always the case in shows elsewhere. It is very encouraging to see how communities like New Smyrna Beach support the arts by funding it, investing in it, buying it, looking at it.”

For a complete list of Images Award winners, click here.

"This is a top-notch professional show with high quality craft and fine art…"

"I'm very impressed by the community support for this show, from the financial commitment of the Patrons' program to the very important involvement of volunteers…"

"Thank you for everything, it was a wonderful and profitable weekend for us. We enjoyed your town, and would like to come down early next year and spend some time enjoying the area!"

Thanks to our Sponsors!