Sixth annual Art at the Rock show, sale and marketplace scheduled at 4-H Center

Fine artists working in paint, clay, glass, metal, fiber and other media will converge on Rock Eagle 4-H Center near Eatonton, Georgia, Nov. 22-23 for the sixth annual Art at the Rock.

The juried art show, sale and marketplace attracts around 75 artists and a thousand visitors each year.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 and 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23.

The 2014 Featured Artist is Len Jagoda of Waverly Hall, Georgia. His sculpture won Best of Show in the 2013 Art at the Rock artists’ competition.

Jagoda has bred and trained horses, and he and his wife have adopted or rescued more than 37 dogs, four cats, a goat and a llama. This familiarity speaks to his subject preference — animals.

“Underlying my portrayal of animals is my belief that all animals have real emotions and not just instincts. I want that belief to come through in my work,” he said. “My goal is not to present just a likeness, but rather a piece that speaks to you — conveying more than just an image. Art should have the ability to move you. It should have an effect on your emotions. It may touch your heart, bring excitement, tell a story or draw a moment from your memory. Every portrait should reflect the subject’s personality, not just a likeness. Achieving this separates a meaningful work of art from just a picture.”

Since his first entry in competitions in 2008, his awards for sculptures and pastels total 38, including six Best of Shows, a Judges Selection, a Patrons Award, the Molly and Claude Scarbrough Award and the Best Head Study Award from the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art.

Jagoda is an elect- ed member of the American Artists Professional League and an Associate of the American Academy of Equine Art. His work has been accepted to many juried exhibitions, galleries and shows. He has had works accepted into four international exhibits.

The juried show at Rock Eagle, including Jagoda’s work, will be on display in the center’s Senior Pavilion. Music, food, and an outdoor marketplace of locally grown and made products will round out the event.