The Carmel International Arts Festival officially presented the “Mayor’s Award” winning painting to Mayor Jim Brainard at City Hall recently. This is a traditional gift to the Mayor, who chooses his own favorite artwork during the Festival and then purchases it for display at City Hall or another location.
This painting – “Field With Joy” – was created by winning artist was Kwang Cha Brown, who is originally from South Korea. Presenting the painting was Jill Gilmer, president of the board of directors of the festival, and Rachel Ferry, executive director.
(From left) Jill Gilmer, Rachel Ferry and Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. (Photo provided)
“I am so thrilled about this honor and the press release highlighting my painting for the Mayor’s Award,” said Kwang Cha.
According to Kwang, “Field With Joy” is best described as “thick dots of various hues of oil paints, clustered together and basking in the sunlight, through use of pointillism. A vertical stroke between the blossoms leads you into the distance.”
This painting was chosen over hundreds of pieces of art from more than 130 juried artists exhibiting during the 2019 Carmel International Arts Festival. The artists came from 23 states – from as far west as New Mexico, as far north as Minnesota and upper Michigan, as far east as New York and as far south as Florida and Texas.