2011 Poverty Bay Wine Festival's Featured Artist

Boating Party at Des Moines

This year's Poverty Bay Wine Festival featured artist is Rita Norcoss, a local artist from Federal Way.  Her artwork entitled Boating Party at Des Moines is illustrated on this year's promotional material.  The artwork captures the feel of the Des Moines waterfront with views of Maury Island and the lighthouse at Pt. Robinson.
Norcross studied art history and studio painting and has worked in the graphic design field as an art director for various corporations and art design studios.  Fine Art is her first love.  Norcross primarily works in pastels, charcoals and one-of- a-kind monoprints. Her work has been seen in a variety of art shows, such as The W.O.W. Exhibition and The Fusion Annual Art Show which benefits battered woman.  Examples of her work can be viewed at www.redstepgallery.com.

 Festival Artist, Rita Norcross

"It is a real pleasure to contribute to this year's wine festival with my artwork.  I enjoy borrowing from art history - this favorite illustration approach can be seen in this year's featured artwork which displays a Des Moines wine party borrowed from the impressionist painter Renoir's Boating Party."
The artwork is currently on display at Corky Cellars in Des Moines.  The piece will be auctioned off during the event and proceeds will be donated to the many charitable organization that the Rotary Club of Des Moines supports.   For more information about the Poverty Bay Wine Festival or to purchase tickets, please visit www.dmrotary.org.