Local artist Angela M. Osborn’s painting “Richard’s Day Off” is making a big splash among TBLA Bass Unlimited poster collectors and the general public. Her original artwork and poster number one sold for big bucks at the 20th Annual Poster Unveiling and Auction held Thursday evening, April 6, at Cypress Bend Resort. This event kicked off Toledo Bend Lake Association’s Bass Unlimited Fundraiser that will culminate with the annual Banquet and Auction on Friday, April 21, at Cypress Bend Park Pavilion.
The crowd of supporters gathered and enjoyed great food and visited with friends in the ballroom, which was beautifully decorated by Lauren Moore and the talented staff of Nichols. Cypress Bend prepared a delicious variety of finger foods and desserts. TBLA President Gary Moore welcomed the guests and introduced Ms. Osborn. Then President Jayce Simpson and Senior Vice President J.J. Blake of Community Bank of Louisiana, this year’s Poster Artist Sponsor, joined Ms. Osborn on the stage where together they unveiled the original painting and the signed number one poster.
Many volunteers were involved in making this year’s Poster Unveiling a big success. Mr. Moore recognized Poster Coordinators Mike and Carolyn Scheurich for organizing the event and acknowledged the sponsors including Community Bank of Louisiana, Cypress Bend Resort, Nichols, the Town of Many, and Mike and Anna Garcie Cash. Patrons included Hall Adams – Edward Jones of Many, Don & Virginia Burkett, Conrad & Judy Cathey, Ted & Carolyn Dove, Deborah Fehr, Bill & Mitzie Galligan, Reginald & Shanna Green, Robert & Crystal Hable, Lowlander Center, Chuck Mains, Randy & Deb Pennington.
The painting, which this year’s artist dedicated to her uncle, an avid fisherman on Toledo Bend, depicts a lake scene with a Lunker Bass in the foreground and Pendleton Bridge in the distance. Keeping with tradition, an outline of Toledo Bend Lake is cleverly hidden in the painting. In addition to Ms. Osborn’s painting and poster, works from Don Edwards and Eddie Pastureau, both former TBLA Bass Unlimited artists, were presented for auction. Auctioneer Kevin Mc-Donald took the stage and energized the crowd, prompting the highest possible bids for all of the pieces of art.
The original painting was the first item to be presented for auction, and Gloria and J.T. Thompson, of Living the Dream Guide Service on Toledo Bend placed the highest bid. The signed number one poster was won by John and Mallory Monteith of Lake Charles. Next, an original painting by Eddie Pastureau, titled “Melting into Shadows of our Youth” was bid on and won by Gary and Ramona Moore, followed by a canvas giclee by Don Edwards titled “Shady Pocket”, that was won by Jeffery McMahon. The last item up for auction was also by Don Edwards titled “Easy Catch”, and Matthew and Manon Kebodeaux of Dallas were the successful bidders on that giclee.
Ms. Osborn was present to meet guests and personalize posters. The signed and numbered posters will continue to be available for purchase while supplies last at Nichols store in Many, the Bass Unlimited Banquet on April 21, Mudfish Adventures in Hemphill, and www.toledobendlakeassociation. com.
All of TBLA’s fundraising efforts are put to work supporting scholarships, grants, the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program, and other projects that benefit the Toledo Bend Lake communities in both Texas and Louisiana.