Jacqui Brown
Arthur L. Kaye wasn't afraid to break a few rules and let his heart
be his guide when he painted the watercolor "Medley." It caught the
eye of the juror and earned him the top honor in the Burbank Fine
Arts Federation's Juried Membership Show.
Kaye and the five other winners were honored during the opening
gala March 4 at the Creative Arts Center Gallery in Burbank. More
than 150 guests attended the event, including some of the artists.
They strolled through the gallery, taking in the mixed-media
competition, including watercolors, collage, pottery and sculptures.
Kaye's avant-garde, abstract style earned the North Hollywood
artist the Brand Library Award of Excellence for best of show.
This particular award was developed between the Brand Library
Guild and the Fine Arts Federation in order to present reciprocal
awards at their annual shows, according to Carol Finkle, president of
the Fine Arts Federation.
Glendale resident Frances Santistevan has been on staff at the
Creative Arts Center for about two years and serves as one of the
organizers of this event. Once a member of the federation, she began
teaching at the center in 1995.
"There were 64 artists in the competition representing all
mediums," Santistevan said. "It's open to all members of the Fine
Arts Federation and is held every March."
Tom Fong was the sole judge of the show, and he said he was
impressed with Kaye's unique style.
"Kaye created a bold and personal statement," Fong said. "There
was good balance of warm and cool colors."
Kaye's gray hair and soft, eloquent voice suit his late-in-life
artistic career. Although his walk may have slowed over the years,
having had both hips replaced, his hands remain those of an artist,
even as they wrap around the cane he uses to help him move about.
"I was a Sunday painter for many years, and then when I retired I
was able to devote more time to [painting]," said Kaye, whose mediums
include works done primarily in acrylics.
"I also work in transparent watercolors and some collaging."
As inspiration, the artist said he keeps his current piece on an
easel near his bedroom, and each time he goes by, he can see it and
determine whether it needs something else.
"There are always works in progress," Kaye said. "I have several
that are constantly being changed."
Kaye's talents go as far back as kindergarten, when his desire to
draw first took hold. His earliest ambition was to be a comic-strip
artist.
Although he did receive some formal training in high school, he's
