Having many years of experience working with jurors and artists, as well as jurying/judging shows myself, I know everyone is curious about the thought process a juror goes through. Personally I look for knowledgeable skill in the medium and how one uses it to advance their artistic vision (technical expertise), uniqueness in approach or with a themed show, interpretation, presentation of the work as a whole: matting, framing i.e. a completely finished product, and honestly, if I “just like it”. This exhibit is my response to the works submitted.

It is always rewarding to see the artworks on the wall as they look more “complete” there. While I was delighted to see all the works together, I selected the ones that spoke to me the loudest rather quickly.

Honorable Mentions

Storm Ballet, Ann Tate - photograph….a lovely use of Photoshop to eliminate and/or use color to “paint” a photograph. The shadow border and outline are a bit more of a commercial application than I normally would accept, but it works here.

Smoke, Heidi Hyble - oil on paper….a beautiful, lyrical use of simple line and shading to create a sensuous flowing painting. Almost erotic. Not a “normal” oil painting.

Saturday Morning at the Farmers Market, Nancy Brittle – oil on canvas….a delightful, carefree and skilled painting. Very nicely done.

3 Days on a Bus, Tom Smagala – acrylic on panel….an intriguing and clever painting, particularly with the theme. The subjects are not in motion, but the title gives them all a recognizable surrender to their moving conveyance. Very enjoyable and well done in it’s looseness of execution.

Blessing, Benjie Getsinger Nicholas – egg tempera on panel…a whimsical painting exhibiting great technical skill and unique subject that exemplifies forms in motion.

3^rd Place

Unexpected Migration, Lynette Reed – mixed media….a simple and lovely sculpture that brings up all kinds of interpretations: musical walking, primitive cornucopia, opened cocoon……

2^nd Place

Racing From the Wind, Janelle Sieberlich – monoprint/watercolor…..an absolutely delightful use of line, form and monochromatic color to convey the freedom and spirit of running horses. Most charming.

1^st Place

Sack Race, Sally Rhone-Kubarek – pencil & pastel….an excellent example of just enough color to bring out the beauty and skill of the pencil drawing of two kids having a great time. Technically excellent, and wonderfully charming and fun.

Thank you so much, and keep on doing your art regardless of what a juror says!
Marti Kirkpatrick

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