The Frances N. Roddy Open Competition is an annual exhibition competition and is one of Concord Art’s most exciting and competitive shows. The competition is named for a long-standing friend and artist member of the art association, Frances Roddy, whose family and friends endowed a prize to be given annually in her name to the best entry in this all media show. “Frances enjoyed participating in watercolor workshops around the world and taking watercolor classes from her longtime Association friend, Marjorie Young. With Marge’s support, Frances became fascinated with color. She particularly enjoyed watching sunsets and often remarked, ‘If I painted the colors I see right now, no one would believe what I put down on paper.’ Nevertheless, she never hesitated to do so, and developed a deep fascination with color during her later artistic years. Frances truly loved the Concord Art Association. In particular, she cherished the friendships she made with fellow artists through the many classes and exhibits in which she participated. She was very proud of being one of the Association’s distinguished artists. In short, Frances found the people and dynamism of the Art Association invigorating. Concord Art was a central, and wonderful, aspect of her life in Concord.” – Gibbs Roddy, Son