2021 Art Show Award-Winning Art
Judge's Comments
What an honor it was to review and enjoy close to 200 pieces of art. Jurying the show was a difficult task that I took seriously. I was lucky enough to be able to view the show in person so I can see the details, dimensionality, and energy. As a judge, I tried to approach the selection process in an egalitarian way, not just what I would like in my house. My criteria included the following and each piece was rated accordingly:
(1) Design and composition,
(2) technique, skill, craftsmanship,
(3) creativity, originality, uniqueness,
(4) wow factor, and
(5) intention (what is the artist trying to say with their piece?).
This was a show of all mediums, styles, and themes. As you can imagine, choosing awardees was a challenge. Judging is a subjective task and in no way discredits anyone’s abilities as an artist. I hope all the participating artists feel proud of the magic they accomplished by creating and entering the show. I feel proud for you and will share your work with the world by uploading a video of the show highlighting all the artists to my Youtube page. You never know who will connect with your art. Keep creating!
Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli
about.me/gabriellejc
Best of Show
Art Long • “Three Birches” • Oil Painting
The technique & execution of this oil piece is so impressive. My eyes were fixated on the skillfully painted peelings, the surprises throughout, the details on the birds, and the flow of the background into the foreground. The final product exudes the work of an accomplished, experienced artist.
Merit Awards
Mitchell Myers • “Hiding in the Reeds” • Pottery
A delightful and creative portrayal of a common theme in nature but with exquisite craftsmanship. This eye-catching piece draws you in to learn more. The choice of colors adds to the loveliness of it.
Nancy TeWinkel • “April Snow Storm” • Acrylic and Resin
This dynamic piece evokes a feeling of flowing otherworldly flowers. It’s big and bright but also soft and engaging. One can get lost in the rhythms. The use of black makes the rest of the colors pop. It is truly a one-of-a-kind piece.
Susan Lansdown • “Just One More” • Oil Painting
You can applaud her deliberate choices of color and texture. The white sleeve and the red bag draw you into a wonderful atmosphere of calm, focus, and mastery. The reflection in the water adds to the overall tone.
Phyllis Schuit • “Red Sun” • Fiber
The impressive way the bird and branch are painted with layers of thread adds to the texture of this imaginative fiber art piece. There’s so much motion and energy from the sun rays and background swirls, to the bird coming in for a landing.
Mary Burns • “Migizikwe Eagle Woman” • Fiber / Hand-Woven Jacquard
The joy in this hand-woven jacquard portrait is contagious. She expresses wisdom of the elders. The detailing, shading, and highlights gave this a very unique overall presentation.
Honorable Mention
Colin Brooks
“Weeds” • Oil on Board
The mesmerizing line work creates a wonderful harmony and flow in this gorgeous floral. The vibrancy of the colors is anchored with the dark, textured background.
Erin Eisch
“Disapparating” • Acrylic
The use of light emphasized the composition of this colorful painting. The brush strokes are bold but also precise, thus, drawing you into appreciating the whole arrangement.
Susan Schurch
"Mr. Happy Place" • Woodburning and Acrylic on Wood
A quirky piece but it showcases the deftness of her paintbrush. The creative use of color gives this contemporary loon a gleeful overtone.
Sue Fix
“Anatomy of a Maranka Gourd” • Cut Gourd and Alcohol Ink
A viewer will find it difficult not to want to touch this piece. The skeletal aspect of it makes you think of literal and figurative bones that keep things together. Add in the opened center and you’re transfixed by this simple yet complex piece.
Steve Bensing
“Superior World” • Photography
This photograph gives a visceral reaction due to the subject matter, shape, and composition. It can convey a feeling of aliveness and sacredness due to the elements of calm sand, slight ripples, blue sky with puffy clouds, and a horizon. But it can also convey the end...what’s after the horizon? The clouds are so low and crushing. The viewer asks how did he accomplish this?
Bill Kingsbury
“Double Vision” • Wood Turning (Maple Burl)
The presentation of this attractive and organic sculpture showcases a highly skillful artisan. The details and edging choices created a beautiful piece.
Richard Remy
“Taos” • Watercolor
The intersecting spatial forms broken up by the untidy lines gives a sense of cracking, of breaking under the pressure. There is chaos but also balance.
Frank Bissel
“Trout River Birch” • Watercolor on Grasped Panel
This watercolor celebrates color and movement. The layers and texture enhance the beauty of this delightful piece. The needs to look closely to appreciate all the elements included.