THANK YOU to everyone who came out to help with the Peace Pole ceremony and a big THANK YOU to Ben Harber for organizing this event along with the City of Lenexa. It was a beautiful night and everything went perfectly. Here are some photos of the winning Peace Poles.
Best of Show - John & Lynette Huntsinger
Amateur artists from north central Kansas. John makes comfort birds out of exotic and ordinary woods. Each bird is unique, and the recipients of the birds are prayed for. John and Lynette's pole includes hand-carved lettering and a dove on top of the pole.
1st Place - Patty Jaksa Brundage
A retired designer and lettering artist at Hallmark Cards. Since retiring, she continues to enjoy creating art, gardening and spending time with her husband and dog. Her design is of a tree with carved birds and leaves made from recycled soda cans.
2nd Place - Karen Skillett
Worked for 32 years at Hallmark Cards in a variety of design departments. Now she is a docent and museum guide for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Her pole, entitled "Find Your Place of Peace" shows swimming koi, which are known for their calming and meditative properties.
3rd Place - Marci Blank
A fiber artist, began knitting when she was in third grade. Being surrounded by fiber and those who shared her passion, she was hooked. Marci turned her love for fiber into a full-time profession. She created knitted and crocheted garments and died yarns and fibers. Marci's pole is called "Knit the World Together"
Honorable Mention - Eugenia Oritz
A visionary, multimedia artist who layers mixed media materials and paint to produce vibrant immersive art that harmonizes with the environment. Eugenia incorporates hexagons and honeycombs in her art as they are the building blocks of life and are found throughout nature including inside ourselves.
Best Children's Entry - Cora Carlson (not pictured)
A 4th grader at Rushton Elementary School. She loves animals, art, sports and reading. Her pole includes animals and pets to help people feel better and happier.