Best in Show Professional
The Sanibel Shell Fair and Show is so overwhelmingly good this year that to give the winning art pieces their due justice, I had to break it down into more categories. That’s why I wanted to save the “Best In Show” winners for a post all their own.
This SAILOR’S VALENTINE by David Rhyne won a blue ribbon first place prize for “Best In Show Professional” in the Professional Artistic Division. Congratulations!
Best In Show Professional close up
He explained this piece on a display card …
“The entire center of the Valentine is made from the CAPIZ shell. The picture in the center is hand carved and painted by the artist. The mosaic treatmetn on the jewelry, gown, and pattern work is hand carved from the following shells… ABALONE, OPERCULUM, SCALLOPS, MOLLUSKS and LIMPETS. Assorted shells and sea-life complete the piece.”
Best in Show Pro detail
All of the SAILOR’S VALENTINES that I have posted so far have been made by professional shellcrafters that sell their work as well as enter shows.
This next SAILOR’S VALENTINE won a blue ribbon for “Best In Show Hobbyist” in the Hobbyist Artistic Division. Yes, James Cowperthwait is a hobbyist. Congratulations, James for Best in Show!
Best in Show Hobbyist
Best in Show Hobbyist detail
I have so much more to show you but I can’t get it all in at once. I sure hope you don’t mind if I dedicate the next few days to the shell fair. I haven’t heard of anything spectacular happening on the beaches the last few days since we’ve had east winds. I think the winds will be shifting to the west soon so maybe by the time the fair is over, it’ll be good shelling again. I’m having a great time with my mom visiting from Virginia!!!
Mom buying a few shell crafts. She's so cute!
REALLY? That is made out of shells?!!! AMAZING!!! I plunk mine in a jar and call it good.
Have fun with your Momma!!!!
I have to agree with Julie. The extent of my talents runs to glueing some shells around a mirror frame. I would love to see the sailors valentines in person, because the pictures don’t do them justice, I’m sure. I can’t imagine how some of them are made. Just beautiful! What is the approximate cost of some of them to buy?
Hi Kim, The sailor’s valentine from the other day done by Wendy Marshall with the baskets was 2,700 dollars. Most of the artists have web sites that you can google with their name. Sue B.
Beautiful. Truly stunning.
These are BEAUTIFUL!…
Ah-ma-zing!! It blows my mind. I loved the hydrangas from an earlier post too, just havn’t had time to do more than look really quickly. Looks like some cool stuff at that table your mom is shopping at. Cherish every moment you have with her! :)
Your mom has great taste in T-shirts! Enjoy :)
Unbelievable! I wish I could be there. Do these professionals have web sites? I can’t imagine what that valentine would sell for. It should be in a museum.
Are those coquina shells making that mum in the middle of the hobbyist winner?
Thank you for the great pictures, Pam, keepum coming, please.
Awesome valentines. I am in awe, truly. So happy you are enjoying spending time with your Mother. That time is precious, I’m sure. Love to you all!
I am so excited to be your newest follower. I am also excited to see the shell show. I live in the mountains of Virginia and have been a shell lover most of my 61 years. I do not get to the beach often, but have a nice large collection of shells I have acquired thru yardsales and auctions. I even made a pair of seashell topiaries a couple of years ago with my find. Thanks for sharing all this loviliness with us. ~~Sherry~~
Now those are some Valentines! Did sailors make them for their sweethearts left at home?
I have so many great pictures after the seashell show and unforgettable memories. I came back to my home just today and not organized everything yet. I am really proud that I could be participant in this so excitement event. I will miss your company whole year…
Those are beautiful! your mom looks like she is having fun!