Mentor Artists Win Big At Lakeland Art Show

Artists from Mentor had a strong showing during the 2012 Creative Artists Association exhibit at Lakeland Community College.

They won best in show, first place in the Oil & Acrylics category and first and second place in watercolor.

Their work -- as well as more than 70 pieces from 30 local artists -- will be on display at Lakeland through Sept. 14.

Jim Hawkey of Mentor scored first in watercolor and best in show with his painting "Lotsa Leaves," which is attached to this story.

Second place in watercolor was also a Mentorite, Beth Ann Kirchner.

She said of her painting, "True Love:"

My Dad gave my Mom beautiful roses at Christmas time. He gives her flowers throughout the year, not just holidays. I took a picture of the bouquet and this painting is an interpretation of one of the roses. Their marriage is definite true love. They just celebrated 52 years of marriage on Monday. That's why I named it, True Love!

A Mentor man, Mike Deibel, also won first place in the Oil & Acrylics category with "Quiet Repose."

Those who would like to see these works of art and more can visit Lakeland's Fine Arts Gallery, which is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday.