Crystal Lake Centennial paddles auctioned off at Lakeside Legacy Art Show
On Sept. 5, more than 400 guests attended the First Friday Art Show at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. The evening included three exhibits featuring nine individual artists and a special display of the city of Crystal Lake Centennial paddles.
The 40 wooden paddles were decorated by art students and art teachers from Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 schools, several nonprofits and local businesses to commemorate the city of Crystal Lake turning 100.
Paddles were auctioned off and raised more than $650 to support local arts programming and local charities like the Crystal Lake Service League. Individuals also bid on and purchased the paddles for private use.
Judging of the paddles took place before the event and awards were presented to the winners of four different categories. "Most Artistic" went to District 47's Bernotas Middle School, "Most Futuristic" went to Paul Hyland Salon, "Most Historic" went to Lakeside Legacy Foundation and "Most Whimsical" went to The Charmed Fox store in Algonquin.
"I truly was shocked and thrilled to be chosen," said Bernotas Middle School art teacher Catherine Plunkett. "There was very stiff competition as each paddle was beautiful and told its own story. My design was a nod to the city's vacation destination past and was pure fun to do!"
A majority of the proceeds from the District 47 paddles will be donated back to Lakeside to assist in the underwriting of the holiday crafts that will be a part of the city's second annual Winter Fest event on Dec. 6.
Siobhan Cottone, Lakeside's executive director commented, "First Fridays are a time to meet and connect with artists, hear their unique artistic stories and fall in love with their original works. These art shows present the public with opportunities to make a deep connection with art, view a plethora of artistic perspectives and mediums and come to appreciate the impact art has on society."
The Wooden Paddle exhibit is an example of how the community utilizes Lakeside as a cultural arts community center. Lakeside values the long-standing relationship with District 47 schools and the city of Crystal Lake, and is honored to display the paddles.
According to Bernotas Middle School assistant principal Cathy Alberth, who served on the Centennial committee, "We are so blessed to live and work in a community that supports its children and the arts. District 47 has enjoyed participating in the Crystal Lake Centennial Celebration through sharing these marvelous paddle contributions, decorating stamps to display at the post office through the year and performing a concert that included a piece commissioned for this special occasion. Crystal Lake truly is a great place to live, learn and grow."
The public is welcome to view the display plus the two gallery exhibits through Sept. 25. Lakeside Legacy Arts Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake.
Lakeside Legacy Arts Park was voted "Best Gallery" in McHenry County by the Northwest Herald "Readers' Choice Awards" for 2014. The galleries are a destination for art lovers and also provide a unique venue rental for businesses, nonprofits, religious organizations, educational groups, individuals and other community-based organizations. For more information, visit www.LakesideLegacy.org.