Judges/Awards

Judges

Donna Russell

Donna Russell is Executive Director of the Alabama Arts Alliance (d/b/a Alabama Alliance for Arts Education), a non profit 501 (c) (3) organization that works with teachers and students all over the state. The Alabama Arts Alliance is the Arts Advocacy organization for the State of Alabama. Russell’s duties include overseeing office and programming staff, organizing summer workshops and Advocacy Conference activities, keeping up with current trends in arts education, and supporting programs, policies and practices that ensure that all Alabamians can discover and develop their talents, have access to a comprehensive arts education and have enough knowledge of the arts to understand the cultural heritage of others.

Russell serves on the Alabama Artistic Literacy Consortium Leadership Team – a partnership between the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. A statewide collective impact initiative that was established and charged with developing a plan that will include strategies for initializing implementation, sustaining support, and broadening the base of participation by numerous partners. The team consists of a diverse group of educators, artists, community arts leaders, business leaders, and public officials from all parts of the state.

Russell serves as the State Captain for Alabama for the Americans for the Arts Advocacy Coalition, the State Arts Action Network, previously served on the Programs Committee for National PTA and served on the National Leadership Committee for the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network.

Ronda Gooch

Ronda Gooch is the owner of Gooch Gallery, a self-guided gallery representing award winning artists located inside the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. She is a Fairhope native and graduate of Fairhope High School. She credits the influence of the Eastern Shore art community for inspiring her love of art.

Her career spanned from humanitarian work in Mogadishu, Somalia to managing a Southeastern territory for the American Red Cross. But, it was during her time coordinating events inside resort hotels that inspired her to create a unique gallery concept to showcase artwork beyond the walls of a traditional gallery. Since its inception, art has been on display for guests of all ages to enjoy, and purchased pieces have been shipped throughout the country and internationally. Her business has expanded with art expos throughout the United States which match venues with specific art styles. Ronda resides in Charlotte, N.C. with her husband and two Boston Terriers, and has two grown children and two step-children.

Dale Lewis

Dale Lewis is a sculptor who works primarily in wood. He received a BFA at the University of Alabama in Commercial Design, with concentrations in painting and ceramics. After a 13-year career in television production, he discovered wood as his medium of choice and has created whimsical pieces for 40 years. His work is included in eight museum permanent collections and numerous private collections and has been represented in 50 exhibitions. He has received the Alabama Craft Fellowship twice and recently was included in Alabama Creates: 200 Years of Arts & Artists, a publication that highlights notable artists from the past 200 years. Residing in Oneonta, Ala., with his wife Carol, he continues to create his works.

Visit his website at: www.dalewis@dalewis.net.

Awards

The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival presents artists more than $22,000 in cash prizes for the top artists and craftsman. A panel of three very talented and highly respected judges were chosen to select the best works in the 68th Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. The awards are presented during the Artist’s Dinner on Friday evening.

Award Categories

Best of Show Chairman’s Award A&C Foundation Award Jury Award Eastern Shore Art Center Award of Excellence Fran Faust Slade Merit Award Barbara Haas Merit Award Merit Awards (5) Awards of Distinction for each Category (10 Total)

Patron Award Program

Many artists would argue that the most coveted honor is when visitors stop by their booth and purchase their works. The Patron Award Program allows businesses or individuals to honor their favorite artists and craftsmen by committing to purchase at least $100 from one of the festival vendors. When they find that special piece and buy it, they present the artist with a ribbon and placard bearing their name or the name of their business. Patrons may purchase works from any exhibitor they choose and the money goes directly to the artist. For more information visit www. fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com (Patron Award button on home page)

Did you know?

There are two festivals at the same time...Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival by the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival Foundation and The Outdoor Show by The Eastern Shore Museum of Art.