Founded 1943

Art can be both subjective and objective. Objectively, the mastery of visual language and technique may be assessed. Subjectively, we bring our own experiences and tastes to the gallery. Certain works touch us, others may not; this does not diminish the talent, or the effort involved in creation of a work that is not selected.

It is the responsibility of the juror to weigh both the objective and subjective. In doing so, the focus should be placed on form and content…in other words “how the work is made using visual vernacular and technique” and “why the work is made…what it expresses or means”. At times, this can be quite difficult, due to the remarkable talent in an exhibition. This is very much the case in this show. It is clear there are many skilled artists exhibiting. However, there are a few standouts.

BEST OF SHOW

Meadow Veil by Linda Shetzer

It is difficult for artists to learn this kind of restraint; to capture the essence of a feeling or moment minimally and powerfully. Simply and skillfully painted, this artist understands how value can establish a mood within a piece. Within an exhibit of small works, this piece is fitting, creating an intimate moment for the viewer. These intentional choices are objectively the backbone of the work. The subject, an atmospheric, misty landscape, is both haunting and familiar. Silence and stillness are depicted in the most delicate manner. It is bordered lovingly with a golden frame, capturing a fleeting memory of a landscape many of us may overlook or even see as mundane. There is a poetry to this piece…reminding us to slow down and appreciate gentle moments.

FIRST PLACE

Monday Morning Along the Maumee by Pamela Kate Arnos

The technique of this piece is notable. Plein air by a skillful artist captures a moment. Part documentary, it is infused with the signature and expressiveness of the painter’s brushstrokes. This artist perfectly captures the colors of the Maumee River, the reflection of blues from the sky, the nuance of color in the scenery, the perspective blur of the tree line with just enough definition to not be overbearing. Skillful. Adding to this, the narrative of two artists themselves enjoying a beautiful, sunny day. The painter is viewing the artists and we, the audience are viewing through the painter’s eyes. A landscape that beautifully possesses both form in skill and narrative in content.

SECOND PLACE

Not Again by Bob Coffield

The smooth surface and coolness of the metal elevates this piece. Nicely crafted into a simple form of two hands holding onto a face or perhaps, a mask, leads the viewer to ask many questions. Ambiguity in content is the strength of this work, presenting us with potential philosophical and psychological questions that may or may not have answers. If we are to believe this is a mask, then who is being masked? Or if we are to refer to the title, might we read this as someone losing their head “again”? And if they are losing their head, how so? The different potential meanings allow the viewer to connect to the piece in their own personal way, while also enjoying the impressive craftsmanship.

THIRD PLACE

Unarmed Woman by William Horvath

This artist’s style is markedly different than commonplace photography. Photography has always struggled with questions of the “real”. This artist, however, embraces the illusion of photography, creating a dreamy surreal landscape. Use of strong contrasts and a gorgeous palette of blues, purples and golds direct the eye around the armless figure. Her middle placement lets us know that she is important, and her bedazzled costume also glamorizes her. In the background is what appears to be a peg board and a mirror of reflecting clouds. She is not a real woman, rather she is a mannequin or a bust, but once again the distortion of the photograph allows us to animate her. What is her role and significance? Why does she look away from the audience? If she is to represent a real woman, might we see her as glamorized beauty without autonomy…just there to look pretty, not able to defend herself? An intriguing statement strengthened by its technical skill.

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle Ground #10 by Ann Abate

Middle ground. Imagine the smell of the sea as you stand on the cliff; storm clouds threaten in the distance. The nearby clouds are ready to burst, the waves crash against the land. A vignette of the sky and land encapsulates the sea. This artist’s expressive brushstrokes place us in a space. Horizontal marks of blues and whites move to the right, then to the left. Diagonal lines of white move down from the top of the canvas. No geometric shapes are present, giving the impression of nature. A horizon line is created in the middle of the composition. The land is marked by greens and browns. There is turbulence to this piece, and we are allowed in for a small glimpse. Once again, this piece is elegantly served by the intimacy created by a small canvas.

HONORABLE MENTION

Mirror, Mirror by Bren Clixby

The incorporation of complementary colors blue and yellow create a strikingly dramatic composition. It is both warm and cool. If this painting were one person, they would have two personalities…and perhaps that is the hint behind the title “Mirror, Mirror”. The warmth of the comfortable teacup, the sullenness of the blue background and a figure that is partially in shadow but mostly bright. It is these contrasts that make this piece visually captivating. Tension is also created by the arrow tip of the vessel pointing to the eye. Which will win…the blue or the yellow, the warmth or the coolness, the sullen or the cheerful?

HONORABLE MENTION

Blues and Purples by Robert de Nord

What a fun little piece! Common practice for artists, still life is a genre with a lot of history. Due to the smallness of the piece, we are once again given an intimate view of the environment. The eye is delightfully directed through the environment to all the objects; the two busts, a work shirt, a woman in a chair, and so on. What makes this piece so wonderful is the miniature little world that has been created. It feels as though one is staring into an elaborate dollhouse. The application of paint adds to this feel with its flat matte finish and nearly hidden brushstrokes creating an abundance of unexpected detail for a work so small.

Congratulations!

Kathleen Dayo Pahl, Juror