Pictured is a photo by Dave Mitchell.

By Darla McCammon

An area gallery you would enjoy is the Winona Lake Mount Memorial Hall. This beautifully refurbished building houses the art department where Dave Mitchell earned his art credentials.

Mitchell’s drawings and photographs will be featured through Dec. 7. Mitchell is a 1965 graduate of Grace College’s art program. His work will be featured in the second-floor art gallery of Mount Memorial Hall in Winona Lake. His exhibit “A Matter of Seconds: Hot Rods, Rodeos and Sunsets” will be on display from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The community is invited to visit the free exhibit.

“His work reveals his desire to encourage others to find their own artistic spirit,” said Kim Reiff, chair of the art department and assistant dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Grace College.

Mitchell’s use of color, such as the above picture of a sunset, testify to his excellent ability to create a work of art that draws one into the scene.

First Friday’s annual “Artober” event was also a great success. Ten artists participated while onlookers could watch the creative artwork happening right in front of them. Oil, watercolor and acrylic were the paints used for the projects. Judge Randy Kirkendall had his work cut out for him as he awarded the cash and prizes to the participating artists.

Mike Yazel won first place with his watercolor painting titled “Courthouse View From Center Lake Park.” He also placed second with his painting “Courthouse with Wires.” Terry Pulley won third place with “Latte Lounge.”

Honorable mentions went to Sherri Johnson for “Center Lake Garden” and to Tami Davis for “Wetlands.” All the winners received cash prizes as well as ribbons.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• The Warsaw City Hall Gallery will have works by Diane Overmyer on display through Oct. 31.
• The Lakeland Art Gallery is featuring the photography of Dean Jansen now through October. There will be a reception on Sunday, Oct. 20, for Jansen. The exhibit is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
• Dean Jansen will host a program on travel art at 7 p.m. Oct. 28, at the Lakeland Art Association.
• The Warsaw City Hall Gallery will have works by Steve Creighton on display in November and December.
• The LAA is taking entries from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 3 for the fall members’ competition. You may also turn in “Christmas in the Gallery” items that will be available for sale at the gallery from Nov. 6 through Dec. 21.