Local work showcased at 10th Awesome Arts

Original paintings on slate tiles salvaged from Hurricane Katrina, specialty birdhouses for the garden and handcrafted beaded jewelry were just a few of the items on display during the Awesome Arts on the Bayou Festival.

Eighty vendors from across south Louisiana showed off and sold their art during the Oct. 13-14 festival hosted by River Region Art Association, association spokeswoman JoAnne Eiswirth said.

“This is our 10th year for the festival, our second at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with a record turnout of more than 4,000 people,” said Ron Stasko, president of River Region Art Association.

The festival also included a Children’s Art Village, entertainment on the Jambalaya Stage, a judged Art Exhibit for students and adults and a photo exhibit of the Scarecrows Swamp Gonzales entries.

“The amount of talent we have in our area is amazing, and it was the perfect opportunity to share that talent with the entire community,” Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux said.

Donna Smith won the exhibit’s DaVinci Award, and Gene Spann won first place in the adult drawing category.

Diane Tygier won first place in the adult painting category and the three-dimensional first-place award went to Mary Demarest.

Terri Millien won the adult photography award.

In the youth division, age 12 and older, first place went to Madelaine Kobe, painting; Mallori Mathern, drawing; and age 11 and younger, Drake Boudwin, painting; and Madison Deslatte, drawing.

The youth overall photography award went to Tabor Millien, and the overall three-dimensional award went to Brince Washington.

Festival organizers also held a Scarecrows Swamp Gonzales Contest.

The entry by Debbie’s Bridal won first place.