Thebrunpredictable Texas weather may have challenged the 2017 Art in the Square, butbrit didn't dampen the spirits of 600 volunteers, 160 professional artists, 100bryouth artists and more than 100 sponsors. A steady flow of people came out tobr“color their world” with an artistic palette of artists and performers.
Thebrartists praised the Southlake Women's Club for running an outstanding festivalbrwith polite, caring and professional volunteers. Not only were sales great, butbrthe event was fun for all who attended.
Professionalbrand youth artists received recognition for superior art, with Rodgers Naylorbrselected by the public as the 2017 People's Choice winner. Awards ofbrDistinction went to Erin Hanson, Steven Graber, DennisbrRhoades, Aileen Frick and Sam Jones IV. If you missed viewing their art thisbryear, look for them in 2018. George Raab, Gregory Strachov, Dominique Samyn, LynbrSedlak-Ford, Michael Mckee and Tanya Kirouac also received recognition in thebrJuror's Award Category.
One of the goals of Art in thebrSquare is to encourage aspiring talented high school artists to follow theirbrpassion for art. More than 300 students submitted their work for jurying. GracemariebrConnell, a 10th grader from Grapevine Faith Christian, received thebrgrand prize: the Lone Star Award. Claire Litsey (homeschooled) received secondbrplace and Olivia Mitchell (Keller High School) received third place. Judgesbrawarded Honorable Mention to Shawn Carter, Carroll Senior High School, SophiabrCroatti and Audrey Horn, Keller High School and McKenna Michael, GrapevinebrFaith Christian School.