Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 3, 1990 TAG: 9006030085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK LAYMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A few passers-by stopped to look more closely at the oils and pastels hanging on the fence behind her, but most hurried on toward exhibits by better-known artists such as Eric Fitzpatrick and Marcia McDade.
In a way, though, MacCallum didn't mind the anonymity.
Earlier this year, she made headlines across the state when her painting of a daydreaming nude woman was banned from an exhibit co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Woman's Club.
When she called to reserve space in Roanoke's Sidewalk Art Show this weekend, "I wondered if I'd have any problem with my nudes," recalled MacCallum, who is 72 and lives near Richmond.
"Not here," she was assured.
And she hasn't.
The occasional nude painting or photograph "has never been a problem" in the art show, said Ann Masters, director of marketing and public relations for the Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts.
"Oh, every once in awhile, somebody on Sunday afternoon will say something . . . "
This year's show attracted more than 250 artists from 11 states - although, as Masters said, "some of the finest talent is in your own neighborhood." One reason it's so popular with artists is because "it's a sell show, not just an exhibition," she said.
The Sidewalk Art Show continues today in Elmwood Park from noon until 5 p.m.
Festival in the Park winds up tonight at Victory Stadium with performances by the New York Lyric Circus and the Bits 'N Pieces Theatre beginning at 6 p.m. The evening's scheduled entertainment, the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats and Magicians of Taipei, had to cancel after not being allowed to leave China.
by CNB