A Glorious Day and Wondrous Art

Last weekend it felt great to be alive because I had really been working a lot and needed a break. It was Easter weekend, the sun was shining and I was off to the 42nd annual Mandarin Arts Festival.

Sometimes you go to these events and come away disappointed. This group did not disappoint! The sun was shining, the weather was nice and I had a chance to meet some wonderfully talented artists. As usual, click each photo for a better view.


As soon as you entered the festival you immediately encountered the very soothing sound of a cross between smooth jazz and classical guitar. have a listen below:

I found myself instantly relaxed as I listened to the sounds of people walking by and the lilt of the guitar. The musician is Russell Donnellon, and after visiting his website I can wholeheartedly say I am a fan. So take a moment and go by and I think you will be too!



After a very long moment, duty called and I was on my way. My first encounter was with a very talented glass blower by the name of Nick Beaman, and fancy that... he is from Jacksonville!

His work has a sense of beauty and whimsy that almost takes your breath away. His website is one of those wonderful adventures you encounter by accident but find you are glad you made the detour and want to own a piece of it. I learned later that the piece he is holding is titled "Pollock" and I understand now why I was drawn to it.

These pieces also caught my eye and set my mind racing as to how he was able to create these shapes and colors.

Wandering further, still listening to the lilt of the guitar my eyes fell upon a flash of color that was almost magic. I did a close-up so you could see the very beautiful ordered chaos.

The talented acrylic artist is Kevin W. Hendersen, of Fruits of the Spirit Fine Art.

I learned that he was designated Artist of The Year 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland in addition to several other awards for his work.

In the middle of the grounds... do I have some bronzes for you! The artist was shy but his works are not. They are bold imaginative pieces from Bob and Jo Wilfong.


They did not have a website but can be contacted at bjwilfong@hotmail.com if you see something you like or want more information.

And finally one of my favorite pieces in name and by design: STEEL ALIVE. I love puns so of course this artist got my attention. But, Rommel and Courtney's work displays that same sense of play that the name works off.

This flower was about 4 ft x 4 ft and in two different versions. It was really a show stopper! You decide which one you like best...

But, this frog set the tone for the day! It is about 3 ft x 3 ft and has a surreal quality I just love.








I took tons of pictures and had a chance to talk with a number of friendly and talented artists. My only regret is that I did not have the space to include everyone I met. A wonderful day indeed!