Local artist brings home the gold

Garland Hilliard, a resident of Hampstead/ Surf City, was awarded two first-place blue ribbons and accompanying gold medals for his entries in the North Carolina Senior Games Finals 2009. The SilverArts Finals of the Senior Games was held at McKimmon Center on the North Carolina State University campus in Raleigh on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Garland was awarded 1st Place for a framed pencil drawing titled, "Gateway to Progress — Surf City?" in the Visual Arts - Drawing competition. The pencil drawing was a depiction of an old wood framed homeplace sitting in a wooded area beneath a towering but faded image of modern condominiums. 

Garland was also awarded 1st Place for a walking cane titled, "Snake Eyes," in the Heritage Arts - Woodcarving competition. The walking cane was carved with hand tools out of Crepe Myrtle wood and was completed with a natural finish.

Both entries in the above competition had previously won 1st Place awards in the 2009 Pender Senior Games.

Garland is a member of the Surf City Art Guild, the Cape Fear Woodcarvers, the Wilmington Art Association and the Associated Artists of Southport.

— Submitted by Surf City Art Guild