We invited local artists of all ages and talents to submit their work for the first Enjoy Cherokee Arts Edition Contest, and we were impressed by the talent reflected in the submissions. A panel of judges voted on the entries, which were divided into the following six categories:
Oil/Acrylic/Watercolor Paintings, Mixed Media, Alternative Media, Sketches in Pen or Pencil, Digital Art, and Photography
Join us in congratulating all of the talented artists who submitted their works for consideration. And special congratulations to the overall contest winner, artist Kristina Laurendi Havens.
Oil, Acrylic, & Watercolor
FIRST PLACE
Kristina Laurendi Havens, Woodstock
This piece, an oil painting on panel, was inspired by Kristina’s niece. In addition to her paintings, multitalented artist Kristina also sells one-of-a-kind clothing and furniture at the Woodstock market.
Artist: Kristina Laurendi Havens
SECOND PLACE
Rochelle Allen, Woodstock
Artist: Rochelle Allen
THIRD PLACE
Demi Velasquez, Woodstock
Artist: Demi Velasquez
Mixed Media
FIRST PLACE
Shayla McLarty, Canton
Shayla says she searches for “beauty in day-to-day scenes” and draws on her life experiences for inspiration. This piece was created using acrylic and mixed media on canvas.
Artist: Shayla McLarty
SECOND PLACE
Patty DelValle, Woodstock
Artist: Patty DelValle
THIRD PLACE
Cheryl Parish, Canton
Artist: Cheryl Parish
Sketches in Pen & Pencil
FIRST PLACE
Wyatt Darnell, Canton
Wyatt draws inspiration from the works of comic book artists like Alex Ross and Jim Lee as well as French painter Claude Monet. This piece depicting the legendary Elvis Presley was created using pencil, ink, marker, and paint.
Artist: Wyatt Darnell
SECOND PLACE
Alex Ramirez, Woodstock
Artist: Alex Ramirez
THIRD PLACE
Kahlil Lock, Canton
Artist: Kahlil Lock
Alternative Media
FIRST PLACE
Blake Chester, Canton
For Blake, woodworking became an outlet to escape the stress of school during the COVID-19 pandemic. He now sells wooden bowls and décor at the annual Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival presented by Service League of Cherokee County.
Artist: Blake Chester
SECOND PLACE
Jennifer McDougal, Canton
Artist: Jennifer McDougal
THIRD PLACE
Monica Mercer, Canton
Artist: Monica Mercer
Digital Art
FIRST PLACE
Shanda McCloskey, Ball Ground
Shanda is a children’s literature author and illustrator who comes from a creative family of artists and entrepreneurs. This piece, made using watercolor and digital technology, is featured in the book Nubby by Dan Richards.
Artist: Shanda McCloskey
SECOND PLACE
Sylvia Smith, Woodstock
Artist: Sylvia Smith
THIRD PLACE
Heather Leach, Acworth
Artist: Heather Leach
Photography
FIRST PLACE
Emily Danielle Cumana, Canton
Emily says “it’s important to do what you love despite what other people may think. This is a different avenue compared to a lot of the photography I see around me.” She is a media and entertainment major at Kennesaw State University.
Artist: Emily Danielle Cumana
SECOND PLACE
Cade Boling, Woodstock
Artist: Cade Boling
THIRD PLACE
Grace Moody, Canton
Artist: Grace Moody
Special Thanks to Our Judges
Grace Adams – Director of Marketing, The Booth Museum
Grace Adams is the director of marketing at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville. She has called Cartersville home all her life and dearly loves all of Northwest Georgia. She holds an art studies degree from Georgia Highlands College. Her favorite styles of art are Impressionism and Realism.
Jamie Foreman – Owner, Menagerie on Main
Jamie Foreman is a local resident and business owner of Menagerie on Main, an art gallery and artisan boutique in the heart of Downtown Canton that features more than fifty local artists and makers and also hosts classes, workshops, art exhibits, live music performances, and a variety of other events and gatherings. She is a supporter of all things creative and is also a Canton Cultural Arts Commission board member.
Anthony Hall – Artist, Lydell Arts
Anthony Hall has channeled his creative energy into acting, stand-up comedy, photography, and painting anything that will sit still for him—shoes, sofas, hats, or giant canvases. Anthony’s art is featured at Whole Soul Shop at The Mill on Etowah in Canton. He also has a booth each week at the Marietta Square Artisan Market.
Jerry King – Photographer, J. King Images
Jerry King is a professional headshot photographer based in Woodstock and serving metro Atlanta. He specializes in great headshots and professional portrait photography. His goal is to provide his clients with all the necessary images they need to market themselves successfully in this day and age. He enjoys teaching and helping people look their best in front of the lens.
Nicole Lampl – Director/Curator, Reeves House Visual Arts Center
Nicole Lampl is the director and curator of the Woodstock Arts Reeves House Visual Arts Center. She curates exhibits featuring artists from around the corner and around the world. She also worked with the city of Woodstock to bring in the public art sculptures installed around the Woodstock Arts Event Green on Elm Street.
Maria Londoño – Art Teacher, Woodstock Elementary School
Maria Londoño has a degree in art education from Kennesaw State University. Maria is an artist and art educator in the Cherokee County School District. She specializes in drawing, mixed media, photography, and collaborative projects. Maria loves creating fun and engaging art experiences for her students, enjoying art in the community, and being an advocate for the arts.
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