Lewiston Art Festival goes on Saturday, despite heavy rains; Sunday sizzles with drier weather

Though local TV meteorologists called for a dry Saturday post-noon, it rained on the Lewiston Art Festival throughout the late afternoon and early evening.

A lot.

One downpour near the 3 p.m. hour threatened the Chalk Walk Competition, but quick-thinking high school teams and coaches were able to protect the student art and preserve it for judging.

Following about 90 minutes of sun, an even heavier downpour began just as the Chalk Walk results were being announced.

Once again, the students from Grand Island High School took first place. The Vikings have finished in the top three under many Megan Gaiek-led squads. This year's team included Julie Klein, Tess Lariviere and Kelsey Mahoney.

Grand Island also won the People's Choice Award.

Lewiston-Porter Team No. 1 took second place. Members included Adriana Bolender, Hannah Mergi and Karrigna Rotella. Cindy Sanchez served as instructor.

This year's theme was "Interconnected."

As the voting totals were announced, the chalk began to pool into colorful streams and run down Center Street. (See below.)

Despite the weather, the Art Festival did draw large crowds throughout the day, and vendors reported brisk sales.

Lewiston's fine art showcase continued Sunday, with larger crowds and live music at points along the road.

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2017 LEWISTON ART FESTIVAL WINNERS:

• First place: Samuel Whitehead, "Flannels #3 Fielder"
• Second place: Jeff Lindgren, "Summer of Love"
• Third place: Maria Laurendi, "Boat Houses on the Canal"       
• Honorable mention: Dave Pollot, "We were here but departed"

• First place: Kathleen Dworak, "Coils & Chrome"
• Second place: Mary Anne Cappellino, "Snow Scene"    
• Third place: Frederic Proctor**, "Bang Wa Temple"       
• Honorable mention: Mary Furlong, "Vienne, France"

• First place: Jerome Bianchi, "Texture Junction"
• Second place: Michael Shriver, "Times Beach Nature Preserve"
• Third place: Adam Swift, "Silo City"
• Honorable mention: Tabitha Kilpatrick, "Fire Hoses"

• First place: Jessica Gadra, "Grouchy House"
• Second place: Chris Charles, "Smile"
• Third place: Amanda Polanski, "Just Sittin' "
• Honorable mention: Nia Puccio**, "Skull"

• First place: John Formato, "Sea Turtle"
• Second place: Bud Scheffel, "Stable right angle"
• Third place: Colleen Williams, "Eden"
• Honorable mention: Mark English, "Escape"

• First place: Mary Jane Piccuirro, "Spirit in the Forest"   
• Second place: Suzanne Mair, "The earth is the lord's and all that is in it"
• Third place: Lisa Arkus, "Rabbit"
• Honorable mention: Britanny-Bay Croyle**, "The Deer on Grandma's Wall"

• First place: Mark Van de Bogart, "Tourmaline Treasure"
• Second place: Bonnie Heddon, "Tourmaline Drops"      
• Third place: Dale Bosworth, "Vantilas"
• Honorable mention: Lisa Ballowe, "Pearlicious"

• First place: Michael Gotthelf, "965 Yew"      
• Second place: William Shearrow, "Hummingbird Mosaic"
• Third place: Bonnie Eastwood, "Weeping Cherry"
• Honorable mention: Robert Quintero, "Crazy Boots"