FALLBROOK – Fifteen years ago, two artists made a difference in the Fallbrook art world. They created an art competition that was not juried – that anyone could enter. There was only one restriction to entering –you had to see an avocado somewhere in the artwork. And so, the Art of the Avocado art competition was born.
Those artists were George and Gayle Bamber; sadly, George passed away in 2017.
This year, 2020, is the 15th anniversary of the competition which has continued under the generous sponsorship of Fallbrook Propane Gas Company, which has been the major sponsor for the past eight years.
Other sponsors include the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, Steve Slaughter, liquor manager of Major Market, and the California Avocado Commission.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s art competition has been canceled. Although organizers may not be able to mark the occasion by having the competition, Meredith Gordon of Fallbrook Propane Gas Company wanted to celebrate and honor those artists who have entered the competition for several years.
Those artists are:
John Flynn, Fallbrook – nine years
Nicole Hilsabeck, Fallbrook – nine years
Karen Langer-Baker, Fallbrook – nine years
Elaine Lindsay, San Diego – nine years
Denise Gillian, Costa Rica - eight years
Patricia Hartman, Fallbrook – seven years
Teresa Mendelson, Fallbrook – seven years
Mary Scott, San Clemente – seven years
Christine Wichers, Washington – six years
Event sponsor Meredith Gordon said, “We want to thank all the artists who, year after year, have entered this competition. In the last 10 years, 404 artists have been a part of this event. Thank you for your participation. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2021.”
For more information about the art competition, contact event coordinator Anita Kimzey at 714-222-2462 or [email protected].
Submitted by Anita Kimzey.
