Day 9 - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

Mayor's Award - Best in Show - Top of the Line 2009

Will Heglar for "Always Green"

Pictured above is Will Heglar and his top award-winning artwork "Always Green" inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8. Not only did Will win $2500, this piece becomes part of the City of Charleston's permanent collection and will hang in Mayor Riley's office for a year and then rotate to other public buildings owned by the City government. Congratulations, Will!

Today was not as humid as yesterday, in fact, it was quite pleasant with lots of activity in Marion Square, including the Farmers' Market. One of the best parts of being in the show is having old friends show up not just to visit but also to encourage us:

Charles and Gloria Rice - in town from vacation at their Edisto Beach house

Maureen Williams and family, Michele and Riley (with the pink bow) Kennealy

Ken and Debbie Johnson

Philip Clarke, Downtown Attorney, on his Saturday Lunch Break

3 Generations of Wilson Girls
Boo Wilson, Caroline and Callie Sanders

Then we had free art demonstrations again today, starting the morning off with Christy Crosby and her exquisite lowcountry oils:

Christy Crosby and beginning of "Sienna Sky"

Kevin LePrince also gave an demonstration in oil in the afternoon. He forgot to bring his tube of white paint, but I understand friend and artist Rick Reinert came to the rescue!

Kevin LePrince painting "Water Lily"

Later I had a great surprise when my friend Stephen Dauway showed up from Orangeburg with his brother Justin and sister Gabrielle. I moved next to his grandfather, Floyd Gordon, the year Stephen was one year old, and we've been great friends ever since. Spoleto isn't Spoleto unless Stephen and his family show up!

Stephen, Justin and Gabrielle Dauway

I've heard a lot from my dentist, Dale Finkbine, about his first grandchild and today I met Louisa who showed up at Marion Square with her mother, Amy, whom I've known for years. Louisa's good friend, Molly, is artist Jane Jackson's granddaughter. It seems the world keeps getting smaller:

Louisa and Molly, Best Friends