Visions of the Azalea Festival
“That this beauty may enrich the lives of all”
BY Christine R. Gonzalez
The 40th anniversary of the Azalea Festival in 1987 launched the tradition of honoring an artist who captured the essence of the festival. The images selected as the official artwork are as varied as festival lovers themselves. Dreamy, fuzzy, romantic, joyful, whimsical and thoughtful could describe the works represented here, most with at least a few azaleas thrown in.
Azaleas are the star, and they are represented in a number of ways. The first image from 1987 by local artist Jeff Morvil is a single stately bloom. Other works have some azaleas flowing through the air or as a muted element in the background.
There is much swirling romance in the 2009 George Pocheptsov image. The people dancing and enjoying themselves in a garden paradise is mostly what is recalled, but look closely and you can read the scrolled decree stating that the cultivation of flowers, shrubs and trees are to beautify the community, “That this beauty may enrich the lives of all.”
Another complex and interesting image by artist Todd Carignan is bare of flowers, but the eye is drawn to the venerable Airlie Oak during a garden party. Brooke Eagle, the 2022 artist, captures a downtown crowd scene depicting street food, musicians, assorted trinket vendors, and lots of azaleas in the forefront.
A good selection of prints of the current and past Azalea Festival art can be purchased at the Azalea Festival ticket office.
Jeff Morvil’s lone azalea from 1987.
From tame to wild, the 1990 image by Martha Grove Williams is a colorful water scene with fireworks.
Jodie Rippy returns to a peaceful view of romantic Airlie Garden.
The 2000 image by Deborah Cavenaugh depicts a circus atmosphere of parade viewers waiting for things to start while flowers float over their heads.
Bruce Bowman goes way back with a fanciful look at Lumina Pavilion, the historic Wrightsville Beach entertainment spot.
The 2005 image by Ivey Hayes of belles and cadets is full of color and interest.
A portion of the design by George Pocheptsov from 2009
In 2012, Terry Sellers Harrison captures a moment when three young girls admire blooms.
In 2014, William Mangum’s Intracoastal Waterway scene shows a perfect view of water and flowers, from 2014.
Todd Carignan’s crowd scene near the Airlie Oak during the garden party.
Brooke Eagle, the 2022 artist, paints a happy scene of downtown festival activities.
I have a 2009 belles and cadets, I think from the Wrightsville Beach azalea festival that is signed (george) and dated (2009) in black letters there is also printed to Susan! You got what I was saying! Was hoping to get some idea of the value. Can you help me, please? Said to say my friend and companion passed and I know little of the art she left behind. Thanks in advance.