A few thoughts from the N.C. Seafood Festival in Morehead City, October 1-3, 2010

24th Annual Grand Opening Ceremonies

A few thoughts…

I am so very proud to have been named the 2010 North Carolina Seafood Poster Artist.  I have followed the many wonderful N.C. artists who have been awarded this special accolade ever since Alan Cheek became the first NCSF Poster Artist 24 years ago.

Alan Cheek is my hero, a “distinction” he does not know about. Alan will always be one of the great North Carolina artists in my book. I will never forget the first time I saw his painting, Old Port Town, – a dramatic, colorful and picturesque port town view of Beaufort, North Carolina. After seeing that painting, I was hooked and followed everything Alan painted through the years, including the first NCSF poster in 1987. Once Alan was bestowed the NCSF award, I also started paying attention to all the artists that were named festival’s Poster Artist each year.

About six years ago, I stopped into Downeast Gallery, Alan’s gallery in Beaufort, N.C.  Although I was painting professionally at the time, and had my work in area galleries, I still could not bring myself to tell him that I was also an artist, a collector of his artwork,  and that he had inspired me so much with his incredible work over the years. We chatted about his art and I learned a little about him. I found him to be quite kind and open about his artwork and personal journey over the years.

I returned to Alan’s gallery this past spring. This time, I wanted to introduce myself as this year’s NCSF poster artist… and thank him for the unknown impact he made on my professional career. But the Downeast Gallery had closed or relocated and I was unable to find him. I hope I will one day have the opportunity to thank him for being such an inspiration to me. Check out Alan Cheek’s work on the Web: http://www.alancheek.com

I owe Jim Storholt (2005 and 2009 NCSF Poster Artist) and his wife a huge “thank-you” for giving me advice about the NCSF. I do not do many outdoor shows, and they were extremely helpful with some tips for this year’s festival booth. Check out Jim’s Web Site: http://www.coastaloriginals.com

Artist, Mary Warshaw,  has also been so kind to publicize my poster signings and shows on her many wonderful blogs. Take a few minutes and walk with her through Historic Beaufort: http://marywarshaw.blogspot.com/ She is a beautiful writer and artist!

At this year’s festival, I had the pleasure of having a booth beside Walter Creech, the 2007 NCSF Poster Artist. It was nice to learn more about him and his work over the years! Learn more about Walter on the Web: http://www.waltercreech.com/

Lou and Porter Wilson at Arts & Things Gallery in Morehead City, http://www.arts-things.com/ , have also offered help to me – way beyond the call of duty! They held a poster signing at their gallery in April, and offered invaluable support before, during and after the festival weekend… (and made new prints for my festival booth every time a print sold!) If you are interested in getting your NCSF poster framed, give them a call.

Thanks, too, to Raymond Voelpel at Tidewater Gallery in Swansboro. Ray also held a NCSF Poster Signing in his gallery, which ultimately inspired my new series, “Clyde Phillips Seafood Market.” The “Clyde Phillips Seafood Market” series is still on display at Tidewater Gallery along with new prints from the series! http://tidewatergalleryswansboro.blogspot.com/

A special “thanks” goes to the North Carolina Seafood Festival – staff (Stephanie and Carol!) and Board of Directors; the Mayor and Town of Morehead City;  my family (who traveled and worked tirelessly for over a week!!!!);  friends (that traveled so far!);  and all my many old and new patrons!

Thanks to all of you for making this such a special time!

Sharon