by Rachel Hunter
As a way to give back to the local community, North Country CrossRoads Artisan Gift Shop & Classes in Gouverneur organized a fun arts competition for youth and adults alike.
The “Artsy Contest” was the idea of the business owners Gari and Kevin Vibber of Gouverneur who know firsthand what it is like to grow up in Small Town America and believe strongly in giving back to the local community.
The contest was free to enter, and all interested could pick up an 8x10-inch canvas board on which to put their submission. The local artists then chose their favorite medium to complete their work, and returned it to North Country CrossRoads by 3 p.m. on August 17. A total of 12 entries were submitted, and then divided into the four age categories (0-6 years, 7-12 years, 13-18 years and 19 years and older). The five judges making the subjective evaluations were a purposeful mix, according to Mrs. Vibber, and included the following: North Country CrossRoads Artist Bill Perkins, Local Businessman/Town Official Curran Wade, Non-Professional Artsy Crafter Donna Thorpe of Fowler, Businessman/Supporter of the Arts Kevin Vibber of Gouverneur, and North Country CrossRoads Under 18 Artist/Crafter Lauren Ordway of Gouverneur.
The results were tabulated, and winners were announced as follows:
In the 0-6 age category, there were two entries. First place went to Keelee Bice for her acrylic painting, and second place went to Quinn Richardson for his acrylic painting.
In the 7-12 age category, first place went to Mackensie Koerick (pencil). There was a tie for second place between Afton Riley (acrylics) and Jack Riley (pencil). There also were honorable mentions to Moriah Koerick (crayon), Kelvin Bice IIII (acrylics), Kameran Bice (acrylics) and Arthur Anson (markers).
In the 19 and over age category, first place went to Angie Walsh (acrylics and human hair), second went to Rachel Riley (acrylics and marker), and third place went to Rachel Hunter (acrylics).
The top prize in each category was a $20 gift certificate to North Country CrossRoads, second place prizes varied, and third place prize was a $5 gift certificate to the Ice Cream Bowl, located next door to North Country CrossRoads. Honorable mentions received a sketch pad and colored pencils.
The prizes were presented to the award winners on Tuesday, August 27 during a special ceremony, and all were congratulated on their great work.
To learn more about North Country CrossRoads, stop by the store at 157 W. Main St., Gouverneur, or visit the store’s Facebook page. And don’t forget to check out all of the store’s announcements and upcoming classes in the Gouverneur Tribune Press!
