National Arts Program Art Show

[Robert McGowen]

I entered the National Arts Program Art Show in Austin, TX this past week. Much to my surprise, I had ended up winning last year with a segmented mesquite vase. With 3 completely different judges and it being a mixed media show with approximately 95% paintings and photographs, I wasn't too confident for a repeat this year. I entered a segmented bloodwood vase and a segmented cherry vase. I did not think that the cherry was capable of winning, but I thought that the bloodwood at least had a shot. Also, a blue ribbon comes with a nice check just in time for Christmas. And the results were......... :)

[Scott Hackler]

Most excellent Robert!

[Baxter Smith]

Congrats Robert! Great looking vase and pictures!

[Roger Chandler]

Congratulations! That is so cool...........very nice work, and good to see that in some parts of the country what has been the illegitimate step child of the art world [wooden objects] get some recognition as true art!!! There is so much work that goes into something like you have done here, that a lot of folks do not realize the tedious, painstaking effort it takes to produce such a nice form ........

Good work Robert!!!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Congratulations Robert! You have come a long way in your journey to be a skilled turner! Others notice it too!

[Robert McGowen]

good to see that in some parts of the country what has been the illegitimate step child of the art world [wooden objects] get some recognition as true art!!!

Roger, If you look over my shoulder in the one photo, you can just about guess the ratio of paintings and photos to sculpture work. That is about a quarter of the room showing.

[Kathy Marshall]

Congrats Robert! 2 very nice pieces!

[Michelle Rich]

Great!!!!!

[Steve Schlumpf]

This is excellent news Robert! Congrats on your win and well deserved recognition! I am extremely happy for you!! Keep up the outstanding work!!

[Doug W Swanson]

Congrats! Nice work!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Congrats Robert. Well deserved.

[John W Dixon]

That's awesome! Congrats Robert.

[Greg Just]

Congratulations Robert - Very nice work and well deserved recognition. Can you tell us more about the National Arts Program?

[Tony De Masi]

Way to go Robert. Man, if some of your old compadres could see you now. Excellent work on both pieces too, IMO.

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

They are both blue ribbon pieces to my eyes. Way to kick butt.
Faust

[Robert McGowen]

Can you tell us more about the National Arts Program?

http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/

[Robert McGowen]

Way to go Robert. Man, if some of your old compadres could see you now.

Tony, I still pull 2 x 12 hour shifts a week at the PD working the front desk. Between that, my self employment business, and trying to turn something every once in a long while, I have quickly realized that being retired simply means that you do not have to stop working after you reach 40 hours each week. You can work as many hours as you want now!

[charlie knighton]

congratulations, great art

[Jeff Nicol]

Robert, Great job and congrats on the blue ribbon! I so far have never entered anything in aa contest, show etc, but hope to have some time this next year to concenrate on more turning and exploration inot different realms of turning like segmenting.

Keep up the good work,

Jeff

[Steve Doerr]

Nice work Robert. Keep up the good work.

I too am glad to see a woodturning take top prize. In the local shows they have here, they divide it into two categories--2D and 3D. It really helps in keeping the two art forms from having to compete with each other.

Happy turning,
Steve

[jwjerry w kowalski]

Two great looking pieces, way to go.

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

Great news. I'm happy for you. It's always nice to get noticed.

[David DeCristoforo]

Certificate... good. Blue ribbon... Very Good! Check.... EXCELLENT!!!!

BTW, I really like that cherry vase. It's no surprise it won.

[Curt Fuller]

Both pieces are winners. I like you're style of segmenting.....not too busy or complicated, just very simple with beautiful forms. Congratulations on the Blue Ribbon and let's hope you can make a three-pete next year.

[Tom Winship]

Robert, congratulations to you. I like your style as you could tell probably from my cherry vase I posted a few days ago.

You don't think those Austin people think you might get a ticket fixed or something do you? Come see us.