A longtime Logan County resident tried her hand at a new hobby — painting with watercolors — for the Logan County Art League’s Not So Bad Art By Good People contest, and through expert guidance by a former art teacher, she developed a piece inspired by an autumn scene on her family’s property.
Vicki Rapp, a Mary Rutan Hospital customer service and quality team member, said when she was asked by Art League member Debbie Shelhaus to participate last fall, “I did share my only artistic background was paint by number and coloring with my granddaughters….But this sounds like fun, so I’m in.”
Rapp’s piece and eight other entries by local celebrity artists in the contest have been on display throughout this month at Craft, Paper, Scissors, 142 W. Columbus Ave. for public voting. Votes can be cast for $1 each continuing today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
Then Friday evening, a People’s Choice Award and trophy will be presented to the artist who garners the most votes at the auction of the pieces, slated for 7 p.m. at the Bellefontaine VFW, 216 Orchard Ave. The public is invited to attend the auction and participate free of charge.
After Rapp committed to participating in the contest, she said she was a little uncertain how to begin her entry, so she attended the Logan County Art League’s annual winter faire in early November at Union Station.
“There I met Annie King, who is an fantastic artist. She works with watercolors. Annie explained to bring an picture of something I would like to paint and to come to the open art gallery, held each Monday afternoon at the Logan County Art League studio at Union Station.”
Thinking over ideas for her piece before the open studio session, the Mary Rutan Hospital employee said her lovely autumn view from the windows of her home provided the perfect landscape scene for her entry.
“My inspiration was my husband’s love of trees. In the past six years, he has planted over 200 trees and shrubs on our property. You might say he has an obsession with trees and plants — he has the green thumb of the family!”
With a picture of her property in hand, Rapp attended the open studio times and worked alongside King.
“Annie was so kind and patient with a struggling amateur!” the more than 40-year Logan County resident said in an e-mail. “She certainly made the whole process look much easier than I anticipated, she made it fun. As a former art teacher, she knew how to inspire a new student.
“It was fun, a little stressful when I thought this is going to take a long time, but it really went much faster than I thought. Going to the studio was relaxing, a great way to meet other artists (beginners and masters) and make new friends.”
The sessions opened up Rapp’s painting repertoire and helped her to gain new insights and skills as an artist.
“I learned so much about the dynamics of taking an idea or a photo and recreating on a canvas. Something I do want to try again and plan to visit the open gallery again.
“I thought I would have challenges, but having a great mentor/teacher turned those challenges into creating — thanks to Annie!”
Prior to the 7 p.m. auction Jan. 31, doors open at 5 p.m. at the Bellefontaine VFW for final voting and drinks. A catered dinner is served at 6 p.m. for pre-registered guests.
The funds raised both through the auction and the voting will be used by the Logan County Art League to benefit and encourage the growth of the visual arts in the Logan County area.
“It’s important to support our community,” the new watercolor artist said. “The Logan County Art League has many programs for all ages and interests. If you have thoughts on seeking out your inner desire to be creative, the Logan County Art League is a great place to get plugged in with some of the best local artists. The Art League benefits and encourages the growth of visual arts in Logan County.”