Saugus Rotary Club Art Festival returns

SAUGUS – After a three-year hiatus, the Saugus Rotary Club held the 39th annual Rotary Art Festival recently at the restored Marleah E. Graves School, formerly the Cliftondale School.?It went wonderfully, and it certainly exceeded our expectations,” said Charlotte Line of the Rotary Club. “Many people came, and we had close to 100 pieces of art from both professionals and amateurs in oil, acrylic, pencil and photography. We also had categories for children, including elementary, junior high and high school, and a category for seniors.”The late Rotarian Wes Gage first introduced the Art Festival to Saugus more than 40 years ago.The Rotary Club carried on the tradition for many years, but due to logistical issues, the festival came to a halt after the 38th year. But now that the Rotary Club has found a new venue, Line said they hope to continue holding the festival on an annual basis.Three professional artists – Marion Raymond of Shrewsbury, Nella Lush of North Andover and Carla Boileau of Andover – judged the artwork using several different categories, like “best in show” and “people?s choice.” All participating artists were invited to a reception with a piano recital and refreshments donated by Prince Pizza, Kelly?s Roast Beef and Kowloon Restaurant.The public was then invited to browse the artwork – some of which was available for purchase.The M.E.G. Foundation and the Saugus Rotary Club split the proceeds of the sold art.?People just kept pouring in the door ? We had well over 100 visitors, and people were able to meet and make different connections. It was wonderful and well-received, and we were thrilled,” said Line. “The M.E.G. Foundation plans on holding a children?s Art Festival in the spring to encourage art in the younger ages.”Winners of each category are listed below:Professional Artist:First Place: Jeanette Corbett “Mist on a Venetian Canal”Second Place: Crist Filer “Chocolate Ensemble”Third Place: Jeanette Corbett “Symphony of Colors-Venice”Honorable Mention: Carla Hollett “Otis”ProfessionalPhotographers:First Place: Maryellen Stone “Great Blue Heron”Amateur Artist:First Place: Desirae Hudson of Saugus “Devon Allman” Second Place: Janice White of Saugus “Central St- Saugus, Mass”Third Place: Joanne Graham-Troy of Saugus “Kelsey” Honorable Mention: Lisa Roderick “Before the Storm”AmateurPhotographers:First Place: Caroline Stella of Saugus “Rooftops-Venice”Second Place: Bruce White of Saugus “Lake McDonald”Third Place: James Graves of Saugus “Mission Bell” Honorable Mention: Joanne Graham-Troy of Saugus “New Life” Senior Citizens:First Place: Ose Mannheim “Rowers on Malden River”Second Place: Sandy Kirby “Lily”Third Place: Rita Carraba “Birch Tree Cove”Honorable Mention: Kathryn Hollett “Pot of Flowers”High School/Junior High:First Place: Erin Bennett of Saugus “Hepburn Turns”Second Place: Alexandra Williamson of Saugus “Scottie”Third Place: Elizabeth Downs of Saugus “The Zebra”Honorable Mention: Justin McCue “Storm at Sea” Jessica Trufant can be reached at [email protected].