First-ever Brushes, Bites and Blues festival presents donations to youth art programs

Also, among the winners of the festival were a couple of local artists.

By Jarleene Almenas
| 10:50 a.m. November 16, 2020

One Daytona President Roxanne Ribakoff presents a $15,000 check to Craig Uppercue, representing Volusia County Schools, on Saturday, Nov. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Clay pieces by Two Birds Create, of Palm Coast, are displayed during the outdoor festival at One Daytona. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond Beach resident Nancy Neeb showcased her jewelry during the outdoor festival at One Daytona. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

One Daytona's first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival took place Nov. 14-15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Mary Wentzel, of Ormond-by-the-Sea, won an Award of Distinction at One Daytona's first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival . Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Kathleen Lusby, of Ormond Beach, won an Award of Merit at One Daytona's first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

One Daytona President Roxanne Ribakoff presents a $5,000 check to ArtHaus Board President Ron Nowviskie during the outdoor festival at One Daytona. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Lesa France Kennedy speaks during the award ceremony for One Daytona's first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond Beach resident Barbara Saunders showcased her art during the outdoor festival at One Daytona. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Over 90 artists showcased their artwork this weekend at the first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival at One Daytona.

The outdoor festival was presented by Brown and Brown Insurance and in partnership with Gallery500. One Daytona President Roxanne Ribakoff also presented donations to two local entities: a $5,000 donation to youth arts organization ArtHaus, and $15,000 to the Volusia County Schools Visual Art program.

One Daytona's first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival featured an artist zone where live art was created.Courtesy photo

“As one of the only outdoor art festivals in the area this year, we were overwhelmed by the community support,” said Lesa France Kennedy, chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation and Gallery500 owner in a press release. “The incredible turnout is reflective of the quality of artists selected, as well as the commitment from our sponsors and patrons. We are very encouraged as we look ahead to 2021 and maintaining a November date.”

Here are the winners of the 2020 festival:

Best in Show - $1,500

Todd Fox, of Orlando (mixed media)

Award of Distinction - $750

Jen Kish, of Palm Coast (jewelry)
John Horrell, of Debary (mixed media)
Mary Wentzel, of Ormond-by-the-Sea (watercolor)
Jose Paternoster, of West Palm Beach (metal works)
Nathalie Torres, of Kissimmee (mixed media)
David Mallory, of Port Orange (wood)
Michael Giordano, of Keystone Heights (photography)

One Daytona's first Brushes, Bites and Blues festival was spread out over the shopping and restaurant district. Courtesy photo