2026 Art Show Award-Winning Art
Dale L Popovich, Show Judge
Dale L. Popovich, an American artist who comes from the picturesque Great Northwoods of Wisconsin, is a creative force whose art spans a broad spectrum. His portfolio is a vibrant tapestry of artistic studio landscapes, vivid demonstrations and studies, and wildlife art. Nature is the wellspring of his inspiration, and his work is a profound reflection of his unwavering love for the great outdoors and its magnificent inhabitants.
With over 45 years as a watercolorist and art instructor, Dale champions the importance of mastering the foundational elements of art, from drawing and composition to perspective and color theory. In his view, these fundamentals serve as the bedrock upon which artists can set their imaginations free, transcending the confines of reality to craft distinctive and deeply personal visions.
Judge's Comments can be read below each piece
Best of Show
Social Swimmers
Melinda Schnell
Selecting a Best of Show is never easy. As a judge, you find yourself weighing one exceptional piece against another, and more than once I found myself changing my mind as I walked through the gallery. That's why I always make several passes before making a final decision.
After a great deal of thought and careful consideration, I selected Social Swimmers as Best of Show.
What first captured my attention was its beautifully organized composition. Every element has a purpose, guiding the eye naturally through the painting. The color palette is both confident and harmonious, creating a quiet sense of unity that never feels forced.
What truly elevates this piece is its masterful handling of light. The reflections dancing across the fish and shimmering along the lake bottom create a compelling pattern of light and dark values. Those value relationships not only give the painting depth and atmosphere, but they also bring the entire composition together into one cohesive visual statement.
For me, Social Swimmers is a wonderful example of strong design, thoughtful craftsmanship, and an artist who understands that great work begins with learning to truly see.
Merit Awards
Spirited Deer
Larry Cole
This piece immediately caught my attention because of its originality and thoughtful execution. The use of Native American-inspired fabric wrapping transforms an ordinary deer form into something that feels both timeless and deeply expressive.
The addition of the copper-wrapped antlers and carefully placed copper accents creates a beautiful contrast in texture and color, giving the sculpture a quiet elegance while drawing your eye throughout the piece.
What impressed me most was the craftsmanship behind the design. Successfully wrapping the fabric so it follows and enhances the natural contours of the deer's head is no small accomplishment. Every element feels intentional, and nothing appears accidental.
Spirited Deer is an excellent example of how creativity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design can come together to create a truly memorable work of art.
Darby Jordan
This pastel is handled with a wonderful sense of restraint—something that is often more difficult than adding detail. The young fawn is clearly the center of interest, and the artist has used lost and found edges beautifully, allowing the subject to emerge naturally from its surroundings rather than appearing cut
out against the background.
The lighting is especially effective. The strongest light rests where it belongs—on the fawn's head—while the remainder of the body is kept subdued, creating a convincing sense of form and directing the viewer's eye exactly where it should go.
The background deserves recognition as well. It supports the subject without competing for attention, which is the hallmark of a successful background. Combined with a carefully controlled color palette, the painting achieves a quiet harmony that unifies the entire composition.
Fawn in Pines is a beautiful example of thoughtful design, subtle technique, and the understanding that sometimes what an artist leaves out is just as important as what they put in.
Keeper Bluegill
Arnie Plamann
This was one of those pieces that made me stop and look more than once. In fact, I found myself coming back to it several times before I realized it wasn't taxidermy at all—it was beautifully carved from basswood.
The craftsmanship is exceptional. Every contour, scale, fin, and subtle transition has been carefully shaped and rendered with remarkable accuracy. Achieving this level of realism requires not only countless hours of work, but also a deep understanding of the subject, outstanding technical skill, and tremendous patience.
What I especially appreciate is how convincing the finished piece is. If this was hanging on a wall, many people would assume it was an actual mounted bluegill. That ability to transform a simple block of wood into something so lifelike is a true testament to the artist's talent.
Keeper Bluegill is an outstanding example of craftsmanship, observation, and the remarkable ability to bring a familiar Northwoods subject to life.
Libby Scott
Photography is often underestimated because the final image appears effortless. What we do not see is the patience behind it. Great photographs are rarely accidents. They come from an artist willing to wait for the right light, the right atmosphere, and the moment when everything comes together.
I know photographers who return to the same location time and time again, sometimes waiting for hours, days, or even weeks, for that one image they have envisioned.
Then comes the second half of the creative process. Today's digital tools allow photographers to refine color, values, contrast, and temperature, but those adjustments still require an artist's eye. Technology does not create the photograph. It simply becomes another tool in the hands of someone who understands light, composition, and mood.
Echoes of the North succeeds because it is more than a beautiful photograph. It reflects patience, careful observation, and the ability to recognize and preserve a fleeting moment that many of us would have simply walked past.
Jillayne Waite
This is a beautifully crafted whimsical sculpture that immediately brings a smile to your face. While playful in spirit, it is also thoughtfully designed and expertly executed.
The color choices are simple and carefully controlled. Rather than relying on bold or competing colors, the artist has used subtle variations in value and intensity to create harmony throughout the piece.
Every element has been handmade and carefully rendered, which speaks to the artist's patience and craftsmanship. The repeating shapes beneath the fish, along with the alternating colors, naturally guide your eye upward to the focal point and then gently lead it back through the composition.
At first glance, Sisters! may appear simple, but the more time you spend with it, the more you appreciate the thoughtful design, careful planning, and creative
energy behind every detail. It is a wonderful example of how simplicity, when done well, can create a lasting impression.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Sandy Cashman