Rose Queen Miss Frances 'Franny' Olivia Faulconer, left, and Rose Princess Miss Merritt Elizabeth Dial, right, pose with pieces at the art show. (Diane Reis/Contributed Photo)

As it got ready to debut a display of over 300 works of art at the Rose Garden Museum, the Palette of the Rose Art League (PORAL) hosted its annual reception dinner Wednesday evening. The dinner and Fanfare of Art Rose Festival Show, which concluded Saturday, was held in conjunction with the the 91st Texas Rose Festival.

“It’s an event where all of the artists participating in the show are invited, as well as a time for us to honor our patrons and friends of the league who help support the organization,” said Diane Reis, president of the Palette of Roses Art League. “We pack the room. The event sells out every year.”

The reception serves as a preview party for artists to see each other’s work and offers supporters the first chance to shop. According to Reis, one early shopper purchased “quite a few items” to get a head start on Christmas shopping.

“It’s a nice perk if you’re a friend or a sponsor of the league,” Reis said. With a great turnout for the festival, her hope was that guests would “see this as an opportunity to buy something unique.”

Founded in 1952, the Palette of the Rose Art League is a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) established with a purpose of providing a forum for area artists to interact with artist demonstrators as well as with each other. In addition, the league provides educational and scholarship opportunities for anyone interested in Fine Arts. The art league contributes to the culture and beauty of the East Texas community.

The reception also provided an opportunity to present awards to artists, judged by Caleb Bell, Executive Director of the Tyler Museum of Art. The Best in Show divisional winners include: Carrie McFerron (“Spring Lamb”), Butch Halberstdt (“Woodland Creatures”), Amber Peak (“Fall in Aspen”), Terry Kennewell (“Blue on Blue”), Linda Davidson (“Cammo Frog”), Scott Bazzell (“New Shoe, Old Way”), Foy Forehead (wearable art), Judy Seamands (deco boot), and Isabela Sabillon (cacti teapot).

AnneMarie Johnson won overall Best in Show with “Woman Deep in Thought.”

“I know the artists put a lot of work into their art, but photographers do too,” said Davidson, a Best in Show winner. “We brave the heat and the cold, spending hours waiting for the perfect light. So, when you create a picture, it’s incredibly rewarding to have it recognized by someone else.”

Davidson’s Best in Show piece was taken at the Mineola Nature Reserve.

“It’s from a little pier over a lake that is covered in leaves,” she explained. “If you look down and wait patiently, you will see a frog come up for air eventually.”

The reception also announced scholarship winners: Emma Loyd of Grace Community High School, and Evangeline Johnson of Founder Classical Academy of Tyler. They were awarded $1,000 each.

With her focus on opening the Rose City Art Gallery and organizing the Fanfare of Art Rose Festival Show, Reis had little chance to submit her own work, prompting the creation of a new category: the President’s Choice Award.

“I thought creating a new award for this show would be a neat way to recognize artists whose work I greatly appreciate, perhaps highlighting something different from what the show judge might see,” Reis said. “It allows me to express what captures my attention as an artist and to acknowledge them.”

After the ribbon cutting to officially open the 91st Texas Rose Festival Thursday morning, Mayor Don Warren and the Rose Queen selected their favorite artworks. Mayor Warren chose a piece by Fran Cooper, while Miss Frances ‘Franny’ Olivia Faulconer picked artwork by Christie Joy.

“I was over the moon,” Joy said. “This award means the most to me. To have the Rose Queen select your work as a Tyler artist is the highest compliment. My piece was also chosen by Queen (Anna Grace) Hallmark a couple of years ago. I love painting roses and everything about our wonderful home.”

The art show features a diverse range of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and three-dimensional pieces. This year, the art league proudly showcased the work of 100 out of nearly 200 participating artists, offering a unique opportunity for the community to discover exceptional talent. Additionally, the event serves as a platform for supporting local artists and their creative endeavors.

“It is a wonderful partnership that we have had with them for 70 years, coinciding with the Rose Festival,” Reis said. “I greatly appreciate being part of this celebration, showcasing the beauty of the roses alongside the art of these incredible dresses designed for the event. It’s a perfect opportunity to highlight the talent of our local artists right here in East Texas.”

The show concluded Saturday.