It was a chance to sip wine, eat cheese, and absorb the talents of more than 15 local artists displaying their work in downtown McMinnville.
Saturday night marked Junior Auxiliary’s second Sip and Saveur event, an art crawl that allowed participants to shuffle among 16 downtown businesses while admiring artwork and drinking a mixture of spirits.
Junior Auxiliary sold about 130 tickets and there were 18 artists participating with all WCHS art students lumped together as one artist. Each business was given the freedom to serve the food and beverages of its choice.
“I really like that we were able to bring out so much artistic talent,” said Junior Auxiliary representative Emily Stefanik. “We’ve received some excellent feedback from everyone involved. It also gave people a chance to see some of our downtown businesses. I heard several people say, ‘I didn’t know this business was here.’”
Several artists were able to sell their work, which benefits Junior Auxiliary and its service projects. The organization suggested a 10 percent commission on all sales made during the show. “We’ve received several commission checks already,” said Stefanik.
Local resident Peggy Adcock brought 49 of her watercolor paintings to display at the law office of Ryan J. Moore on Spring Street. She sold three of them in what was her first official show.
“This is something new to me,” said Adcock. “Up until now I’ve only sold to friends and family.”
Adcock is a relative newcomer to the art scene. She started painting twice, in 2008 and 2010, only to suspend her efforts each time before gaining much velocity. However, when she started again in 2013, she seemed to find her stroke. Now she paints about five days a week and says finding the right inspiration, a captivating subject, is the most challenging aspect. She makes note of scenes and lighting wherever she goes.
“I spend more time thinking about the composition and planning about what watercolors to use than I do with the painting,” said Adcock. “The painting goes relatively quick because once you start there’s no time to stop. With watercolors, there’s no going back to it. You start and you go. You can’t let it dry.”
Adcock says she plans to spend much time painting this fall to unveil a new collection of figures and florals this spring. She hasn’t worked out the logistics of how she might display and sell her work locally so it can be available to people other than friends and family.
As for Sip and Saveur, Stefanik said she expects it to take place again next year.