Wood River Valley artist Deborah Kirby has been spending time in Naples, Fla., where she has been accepted into her first juried art exhibition since she began painting ten years ago. Originally from Manchester, England, Kirby has worked as a faux finisher in the valley for many years, but never had enough time to paint for herself until the last two years.
"It is great news to get good feedback," Kirby said. "I've sold paintings out of my studio in Sun Valley, but this is the first time I entered an exhibition."
Kirby's "Uniswim" was picked for exhibition at the Von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Fla. The show is the 46th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition, founded in 1954 by the Naples Art Association. The art and awards will be selected by juror Sam Gilliam, an internationally recognized artist who makes his home in Washington, D.C.
"It is nice to be included," Kirby said. "I am in the mixed media category. There are four or five categories where there were 455 submissions and only 179 accepted."
Kirby's work covers many different painting styles, and she was not sure about submitting a contemporary piece, but was happy to know that Gilliam was interested in modern work.
"It's very important to me to maintain my integrity, and keep in mind what the market wants," Kirby said.
"Uniswim" will be on display at the Von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Fla., from Nov. 16 through January 13.