GROVES — Talented artists in both paints and photo came away with ribbons and plaques during the Groves Pecan Festival’s Art and Photo contest on Monday.

Groves Café and Coffee Bar, formerly Kizmet Studio and Koffee Bar, hosted the artists and the record 93 entries this year.

Ronnie Boneau, executive director of the Groves Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Center, was excited about the talent and amazed at the turnout.

“There is so much local talent,” Boneau said to the crowded room of people.

The art and photo contest was divided into two divisions, youth 17 and under and adults 18 and over for both art and photo.

 

Dezarae Thibodeaux, 11, earned first place and the Robert Pastorella Sr. Memorial Award, formerly the People’s Choice award for a black and white photo. This marked Thiboeaux’s first time to enter a photo in a contest and she said she was totally shocked to win. She plans to continue photography and enter more contests.

 

Alivia McClain, 11, earned first place and the Robert Pastorella Sr. Memorial Award for her painting. She’s been painting almost two years, she said, and plans to continue her artwork.

Groves Café and Coffee Bar owners Tina and Scott Legendre invited the artists to leave their work up in the shop for the month of November.

“Our customers, the first thing they see is the art,” Tina Legendre said. “While they’re waiting on their food, they look. There is so much local talent, this is heart felt for us.”

The art and photo contest heralds the upcoming Groves Pecan Festival that will be held Thursday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 8 at Lion’s Park in Groves.

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