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Z Scugog Citizen -- Tuesday, March 16, 1994 --8 A. Local artist wins top award in competition by Heather McCrae When Kim Hope entered a folk art contest advertised in a popular U.S, woodcrafts individual artists to send in their own , original Christmas ornaments depicting themes, such as, Best Angel, Best Santa, her, Because Kim looks after young children during the day in her home, it didn't givé her much of gazine, she never dr d of winning top honors. But that's exactly what the talented Blackstock woman did. The contest, open to hoppyists and professionals, was advertised in the Better Homes & Gardens Decorative Woodcrafts magazine, inviting Best S and others. Kim chose to enter the Best Angel an opportunity to start on her project. But one night, a couple of weeks beforgythe contest deadline, panic set in and she started on her 'angel' at 9pm, working through until 4am, giving it the finishing touches. In an interview with the Citizen, Kim said "I thought it category. The first thing the thirty-three year old women did was draw up her design and then had her uncle, Keith Hope of Uxbridge, cut the shape out of a 4" square of pine. And the rest was up to Kim Hope of Blackstock recently entered a U.S. Folk Art Contest, claiming top honours for her work. Her Christmas ornament angel was judged second overall and first in its category from 725 entrants In this competition. FORDER - PARKS INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 34 Water Street, Port Perry, Ontario L9L 1J2 9858471 PERSONAL ATTENTION TO ALL OF YOUR GENERAL INSURANCE NEEDS § AN A = RIVERBOAT SATURDAY, MAR. 19th 'Beach Party Wet T-Shirt, Wet Buns Contests BM CONTESTS Wm PRIZES Wm CASH Come chase the winter blues away! \\" was a good design but didn't know if my painting was up to it" Although the angel is now the property of the contest sponsors, she was able to show me photographs of her cherubic work of art. The graceful ornament, shows a picture of an angel looking at her reflection in a star, and captures the perfect, delicate features of the cherub's face. Kim told the Citizen she learned last week, by mail, that of the more than 725 ornaments entered from across North America, hers was picked second overall and that her ornament had won first place in the 'angel' category! Her prizes will be a 20' scroll saw, with a retail value of $650.00 U.S. and a Dremel Variable Speed Moto-Tool, worth $130.00 U.S. Laughingly, the young artist says she doesn't know what the latter tool is, "but it'll be a surprise!" Beginning in kindergarten, Kim started to show her artistic abilities. After graduating from Port Perry High School she continued her studies at the Fanshawe School of Design in London, Ontario and graduated with a diploma in Interior Design. Two things changed her life after graduation. She met her future husband, Rick, and signed up for folk art lessons at Country Capers in Port Perry, where she learned the basics of tole painting and did "the usual beginner pieces". "Every Friday night after work. I'd buy another $20. worth of paints and supplies and start painting, being more creative with each piece" she told the Citizen. Many pieces of Kim's artwork have been donated to the Brownies and Enniskillen Public School and she also sponsors a 'folk art special' at the Blackstock fair. Kim told the Citizen she got into painting because she enjoys it immensely, finding it very relaxing. "When I get started (painting) I don't want to quit as my time is so limited. She is now teaching adults only and admits she was very nervous at first "but all the bugs have been worked out now and teaching is a real learning experience." Already she is working on another piece of art for future competition. "Painted From the Heart" is the name of her business and on March 26 and 27 Kim is having an open house. CanrTwriGHT Express Taxi 3» Gets you to the Airport in Style For all your March Break Excursions! Book Early!! (Airport Trips starting at $50.) Seniors 15% Discount on Local Trips CALL (905) 986-4188 7 Days a Week - 24 Hours a Day 15 WATER ST., PORT PERRY J85-3281 Special Events & Prizes OPEN SHOOT DARTS - Every Wednesday Night - S100. in PRIZE MONEY March PIZZA Specials SAVE $5. on EXTRA LARGE PIZZA SAVE $3. on LARGE PIZZA SAVE $1. on MEDIUM PIZZA FAST Dellvery & Take-out No Coupon Necessary. Expires April 4th, 1994