Make the Rounds of Twin Falls Businesses to Help Judge this Year’s Art &Soul Contest

A 9-foot-tall praying mantis watched passers-by at the corner of Fillmore Street and Cheney Drive West.

People didn’t fear the large insect. After all, it wouldn’t bite them.

“Violin Praying Mantis” is a metal sculpture created by Gooding resident Jacob Novinger as an entry in this year’s Art & Soul of the Magic Valley contest. The citywide art contest kicks off today and runs through May 5, and anyone who strolls the streets of Twin Falls to puruse the art can help decide the winners.

It is the second year the Art Guild of Magic Valley and the Magic Valley Arts Council have sponsored the event. And, director Art Hoag said, it’s bigger and better than last year.

This spring, 178 artists entered their work, compared with last year’s 94, and $30,000 will be given away in prizes this time, compared with $10,000 in the contest’s first year. Artists came from around Idaho and even from neighboring states.

Money comes from artist fees — $50 each — and sponsor and venue fees — $100 each — plus donations from area residents and businesses, Hoag said.

The contest is not only a way to get artists and their work recognized, but to promote area businesses.

“I think that people are getting a better idea about what the contest is about,” Hoag said. “It’s about getting community involvement in a collaborative effort.”

The artists’ work is scattered throughout Twin Falls in 45 businesses, he said. Don’t just view the art; let the businesses know you appreciate them.

When stopping by to see the praying mantis, check out sponsor Lori Ward’s store, Flutter, where she’s also sponsoring four other pieces of art. The mantis sculpture, she said, is “awesome. I like that it’s imaginative and well-executed.”

Head next door for art and a frozen yogurt at Kiwi Loco, then over to Cycle Therapy. Inside the bike shop, notice the colorful painting by Twin Falls artist JasonUrry. Titled “Morning Light,”it shows a barn with sunlight streaming onto its roof.

The painting is meant to “bring feelings of the quiet serenity of mornings in a small town where the glorious sunrise is not obstructed by tall buildings,” Urry said.

Cycle Therapy owner RobinSeastrom said she’s excited to meet new customers as they come in to see the art.

“Come and have a yogurt” at Kiwi Loco, she said, “and ride a bike.”

Head downtown to see another sculpture, this one of a blue heron perched on the corner of Shoshone Street and Main Avenue. The 8-foot bird sculpted by Maylen Pierson of Lewiston, Utah, sits amidst the tables and chairs outside O’Dunkens Draught House.

Got a craving for something sweet? Head next door to The Cookie Basket to see the large ceramic-tile painting by Scott Moon of Hansen, depicting a hardened cowboy on a bucking horse.

Shop owner Jayne Fischer said she’s sponsoring four other pieces of art, including “Sepia Significance,” a lifelike oil painting by Kathy Lilyford of Buhl. It’s of an attractive woman dressed Western style.

Once she agreed to sponsor the ceramic tile, Fischer said, the western theme was set.

She’s excited to see the other art in the contest and meet new people as they come into her store.