Margaret Sado shows her Chinese watercolor brush paintings on rice paper Saturday at Savannah Center during the 12th annual Artists’ Showcase.George Horsford / Daily Sun

Event gives local artists a chance to display, sell their work

By JESSICA SHUMAKER, DAILY SUN

Sunday, November 29, 2009 12:04 AM EST

THE VILLAGES — Although Village of Hadley resident Margaret Sado has lived in the United States for more than 40 years, she hasn’t abandoned her Taiwanese cultural heritage and upbringing. Her background continues to influence her artistic expression.

For two years, while she lived in Philadelphia, she studied the gongbi technique, a traditional, Chinese style of painting watercolors. A characteristic of the style is the use of brushes to add ornate details.

On Saturday Sado, as well as 70 of her peers in The Villages Art League, were at Savannah Center to show and sell their work at the 12th annual Artists’ Showcase. The 9 a.m.-3 p.m. showcase was sponsored by the Art League and The Villages Recreation Department. The event allowed residents to see a variety of artwork created by their neighbors and also interact with the artists.

Sado said that she primarily uses a Chinese motif in her paintings, which are done on rice paper.

“I feel there is a gracefulness, and mystery, of old Chinese art,” she said. “It gives you a lot of thinking.”

This is the second year that Sado has shown her paintings at the showcase. She said she enjoys seeing other artists’ work, and talking with people who attend the event.

“I feel it’s very exciting,” said Sado. “I thank The Villages for giving us these opportunities. I’m sure everyone has their own masterpiece, and this is their time to show it.”

Fellow artist and Village of Winifred resident Bob Deck agreed.

“It’s fun, a great way to meet other artists,” Deck said. “There’s so much talent in The Villages … I don’t think there’s anything that can’t be done with the people here.”

Carolee McReynolds, who displayed her oil paintings on a variety of subjects, said she has shown her work at the last four showcases.

“It’s fun, it’s well-organized, and it’s the right time of the year,” the Village of Sunset Pointe resident said. “Half the fun is talking to the people.”

One resident checking out the artists’ work was Margo McGinnis of the Village of Lynnhaven. She brought her friend and a sister-in-law to see what was available. She said she was impressed by the amount of talent brought together for the day.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s well put together, the displays are well-spaced, it’s just really nice.”

McGinnis also had a mission — to take something home with her.

“I haven’t bought yet, but I’m going to,” she said.

Jessica Shumaker is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9089 or jessica.shumaker@thevillages media.com.