Isabelle Abbot
Runner-up:
Kris Bowmaster
bowmasterart.com
Keen observation. That’s what it takes to win in this category—and Isabelle Abbot knows it. As she says, “It is by moving through the world that we understand its particularities.” Her impressionistic oil paintings zero in on local scenes with slashes of color on canvas or muslin. Kris Bowmaster, who takes the No. 2 spot, earns his keep with vivid oil paintings, often rendered while hanging out on the Downtown Mall.
What’s Isabelle passionate about in Charlottesville?
1. The local food movement. Whether it’s cooking up some eggs from Free Union Grass Farm, attending a cider tasting at Potter’s Craft Cider, or following the blog Beyond the Flavor, I love all the energy and enthusiasm surrounding local food production in this town.
2. Tubing on the James. The perfect summer activity.
3. Pure Barre Charlottesville. A great work out and a fun, inspiring group of women.
4. The Celtic Sea Salt Caramels at Feast.
5. The public library. Browsing for inspiring books.
