The Fall Into Winter 2026 Exhibition opened Thursday evening, September 24th, and despite the rainy day and blustery winds we had a great time with friends coming by to see the entries and celebrate the winners. Champ Saint-Amand and Willie Lockett kept the music flowing all evening – always a special treat – and the potluck dinner was wonderful! Perhaps the best part of the evening, though, was talking to people and hearing their stories of home and their own family memories, especially as we looked at Lu Lewis’ oil painting Love and Peas Grow Here, the winner of the Community Scenes Award this year.
As you can see from the headline image, we had quite a range of entries this time! There were 21 overall, ranging from painting in a range of media to several living photographs and a lovely sculptural piece composed of a gourd (approx. 5 inches) and long leaf pine needles. The range of materials poses quite a challenge for the judge!
Judge Paul Baker came down from Raleigh the week before to study all the entries and make his selections. In addition to the first, second, and third place cash awards, Paul selected the Community Scenes award winner and 4 pieces for honorable mention. He also left brief critiques to share with the artists. It’s always a special treat to be able to pass on some insights about the artwork and helps make the evening all that more interesting. If you weren’t able to attend the opening, please ask when you stop by and we will be happy to share his thoughts on some of the pieces with you.
Thw awards presentation wrapped up with the Summer Living People’s Choice Award for Sea Gulls of Cape Hatteras, a watercolor by Ava Johnson. Visitors cast their votes for their favorites throughout the run of Summer Living 2026. Congratulate Ava when you see her – and don’t forget to cast your votes for for your personal favorites in Fall Into Winter 2026 when you visit!
The Fall Into Winter 2026 Winners
Community Scenes Award
Lu Lewis
Love and Peas Grow Here
Oil
First Prize
Lu Lewis
Warmth of Dawn’s Promise
Oil
Second Prize
Pamela Britt
Baby Squirrels
Watercolor
Third Prize
Kay Bradsher
Making of a Memory
Oil
Honorable Mention
- Bobbie Britt, Harvest Prayer, Acrylic
- Elaine Milosz, In Our Hands, Acrylic
- Irina Shin-Geller, Ember Fold, Mixed Media
- Nancy Johnson, Saddletree Pow Wow, Series-3, Photography
It was a lovely evening! Lu’s painting was so special, reminded me of sitting outside next to the goldfish pond with my own grandmother, more years ago than I want to admit. There was a hedgehog who used to come out by, too. Not something I think most people here in Lumberton have ever had the chance to see!