Welcome to The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts

Welcome to The Fredericksburg Center
for the Creative Arts

A Non-Profit Organization
Located in the Historic Silversmith House, circa 1785
and a Partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

FCCA 2010 Small Wonders
National Art Exhibit

November 28th. 2010 - January 28th, 2011

Frederick Gallery

BJ Kocen, juror

JUROR’S STATEMENT
BJ Kocen’s comments for “Small Wonders” - December 2010 National Juried Exhibit
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this exhibit. I could have easily given many more Honorable Mentions, as I feel the work is strong and accomplished by each artist. I found intriguing elements in all media and subjects. It was my pleasure to select these works and my sincere apology for not being able to attend the opening to meet these talented artists! I hope you will find, as a patron, that these “small wonders” truly exemplify what I love about art and the business of dealing in art—the transmission of joy through composition and palette. You will notice the majority of the work selected is vibrant and energetic as well as soothing and warm. A good number of the works also have a sense of whimsy. These are things I look for in art besides the obvious skill set and visual experience. Many of these works need a double-take as you may see something you didn’t notice upon first viewing. Also, many of the works speak to me as desirable as a patron; I hope you feel the same way!

My sincere thanks to everyone at FCCA for including me as a guest juror, and I wish everyone a successful run and the happiest of holidays!

1^st Place – Herbert Friedson – “Cloistered Elements” enamel on copper, 36x15x1

This piece spoke to me on many levels. First and foremost, I feel Herbert must be a forerunner in working with copper enamel. The artistry is present in not only his application of colorful assemblage, but notice the wonderful curves in the hand carved wood mount. For a playful imagination, a medium all on its own and loving execution, Mr. Friedson deserves to be one of the first pieces that introduce this exhibit as you enter the front door of the FCCA.

2^nd Place – Robert Greene – “Lumina # 3” silver gelatin print 10x9

This piece in particular brings a sense of calm as well as the whole Lumina Series. It is always refreshing to see Traditional Photography (not that there’s anything wrong with digital!!!) and to see a simple object as abstracted enough to cause intrigue. Robert did a fantastic job of processing this photo, making it look aged and scratched, and his presentation of the double matte and brush frame sealed the deal for me.

3^rd Place – Tom Smagala – “Retro Pink” acrylic on panel

The brushstrokes in this piece are deliberate and musical. I tried to take my bias out for the love of Beetles, but it was impossible. I do feel however it could have been any pink car and I still would have placed this painting. Notice the highlights in the headlights, the excellent placement of one light source cutting across the hood and the sense of motion and stillness all at the same time. “Retro Pink” is a great painting and one that will stay with me for a while.

Honorable Mentions

Tracey Clarke for “Tufted Titmouse” oil painting on panel 5”x7” No denying the attention to detail and excellent framing choice.

Leslie Brier for “Hearth Goddess” 11”x11”x9” Repurposing objects with a sense of humor will always get my attention. Lots to explore on this creation.

Elizabeth Erb for “After the Rain” photography 13.5”x16” We may have seen a reflection in a puddle before but not like this; excellent composition from corner to corner. I find this piece impossible to ignore in depth and the richness of the colors.

Jan Finn-Duffy for “Country Road” acrylic painting 7.25”x7.25” This is a perfect small work. Conveying a landscape and intimacy at the same time is commendable.

Ana Rendich for “Mi Colina” (My Hill) oil painting 11”x11” This was all about the palette for me. Also, the thick application of oil always pulls me in to see the exacting brushstrokes.

Jane T. Woodworth for “Tobacco Barns” oil painting on aluminum 7”x9” This painting definitely deserves mentioning the weathered look of the barn echoed through the application and stripping away of paint from the aluminum surface. Great sense of country mood in both Woodworth’s pieces.
PDF Awards Catalog of Accepted Works

813 Sophia Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 - (540) 373-5646
Open 12-4 p.m. Wednesday-Monday & 11-4:00 Saturday (Closed Tues.)
by volunteer docents.
Any questions or concerns about website, contact WebTeam. Web re-design Jeanne Tanks, ©2005-2011

	Welcome to The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts A Non-Profit Organization Located in the Historic Silversmith House, circa 1785 and a Partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
FCCA 2010 Small Wonders National Art Exhibit November 28th. 2010 - January 28th, 2011 Frederick Gallery BJ Kocen, juror JUROR’S STATEMENT BJ Kocen’s comments for “Small Wonders” - December 2010 National Juried Exhibit I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this exhibit. I could have easily given many more Honorable Mentions, as I feel the work is strong and accomplished by each artist. I found intriguing elements in all media and subjects. It was my pleasure to select these works and my sincere apology for not being able to attend the opening to meet these talented artists! I hope you will find, as a patron, that these “small wonders” truly exemplify what I love about art and the business of dealing in art—the transmission of joy through composition and palette. You will notice the majority of the work selected is vibrant and energetic as well as soothing and warm. A good number of the works also have a sense of whimsy. These are things I look for in art besides the obvious skill set and visual experience. Many of these works need a double-take as you may see something you didn’t notice upon first viewing. Also, many of the works speak to me as desirable as a patron; I hope you feel the same way! My sincere thanks to everyone at FCCA for including me as a guest juror, and I wish everyone a successful run and the happiest of holidays! 1^st Place – Herbert Friedson – “Cloistered Elements” enamel on copper, 36x15x1 This piece spoke to me on many levels. First and foremost, I feel Herbert must be a forerunner in working with copper enamel. The artistry is present in not only his application of colorful assemblage, but notice the wonderful curves in the hand carved wood mount. For a playful imagination, a medium all on its own and loving execution, Mr. Friedson deserves to be one of the first pieces that introduce this exhibit as you enter the front door of the FCCA. 2^nd Place – Robert Greene – “Lumina # 3” silver gelatin print 10x9 This piece in particular brings a sense of calm as well as the whole Lumina Series. It is always refreshing to see Traditional Photography (not that there’s anything wrong with digital!!!) and to see a simple object as abstracted enough to cause intrigue. Robert did a fantastic job of processing this photo, making it look aged and scratched, and his presentation of the double matte and brush frame sealed the deal for me. 3^rd Place – Tom Smagala – “Retro Pink” acrylic on panel The brushstrokes in this piece are deliberate and musical. I tried to take my bias out for the love of Beetles, but it was impossible. I do feel however it could have been any pink car and I still would have placed this painting. Notice the highlights in the headlights, the excellent placement of one light source cutting across the hood and the sense of motion and stillness all at the same time. “Retro Pink” is a great painting and one that will stay with me for a while. Honorable Mentions Tracey Clarke for “Tufted Titmouse” oil painting on panel 5”x7” No denying the attention to detail and excellent framing choice. Leslie Brier for “Hearth Goddess” 11”x11”x9” Repurposing objects with a sense of humor will always get my attention. Lots to explore on this creation. Elizabeth Erb for “After the Rain” photography 13.5”x16” We may have seen a reflection in a puddle before but not like this; excellent composition from corner to corner. I find this piece impossible to ignore in depth and the richness of the colors. Jan Finn-Duffy for “Country Road” acrylic painting 7.25”x7.25” This is a perfect small work. Conveying a landscape and intimacy at the same time is commendable. Ana Rendich for “Mi Colina” (My Hill) oil painting 11”x11” This was all about the palette for me. Also, the thick application of oil always pulls me in to see the exacting brushstrokes. Jane T. Woodworth for “Tobacco Barns” oil painting on aluminum 7”x9” This painting definitely deserves mentioning the weathered look of the barn echoed through the application and stripping away of paint from the aluminum surface. Great sense of country mood in both Woodworth’s pieces. PDF Awards Catalog of Accepted Works
813 Sophia Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 - (540) 373-5646 Open 12-4 p.m. Wednesday-Monday & 11-4:00 Saturday (Closed Tues.) by volunteer docents. Any questions or concerns about website, contact WebTeam. Web re-design Jeanne Tanks, ©2005-2011