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2025 Feathers in Focus Show

May 1, 2025, through June 1, 2025

Juror Comments and Bio

Comments

Jurying this show was much more difficult than I imagined it would be. The variation in the artistic styles made it harder to objectively assign awards. It is important to note that any artist's pieces not selected for inclusion or awards should not be disheartened by my choices. Art is widely subjective. My selections were based on several things. Does the piece look well planned? Does it show dimension? Did the artist have control of the medium used? Is there something about the piece that makes the viewer want to keep looking at it? 


-Bren Clixby

May 1, 2025

The Awards

BEST IN SHOW

Black-Chinned Hummingbird–John Koch

The composition is excellent, and this papier mâché sculpture keeps you there looking at the creativity and delicate hand-made papers used. Every piece is hand constructed and shows quality workmanship. By perching a bird on top, it fits the show’s theme and tells a story. You are not just looking at a plant, but nature in motion. Now if the bird could fly, that would be more amazing!

FIRST PLACE

Blue Bird–Richard Maxfield

The artist’s use of soft pleasing colors creates an interesting background achieved through his brush handling from many years of experience. The texture on the stone planter is an excellent use of grays with a hint of color. This scene feels very familiar and displays a balanced composition. Simple, but eye-catching.

SECOND PLACE

Three Amigos–Duane Lammers

The composition, charm, and use of the brush strokes creates a sense of gentle movement in the water. The color tones and shadows create interest and depth. To appreciate this piece, step back across the room and view it.  It shows great dimension! The blue mat is an added touch of color and vibrance that works well with the simplicity of the painting and limited color palette.

THIRD PLACE

Mountain Bluebird–Christine Canham

This pastel piece is simple but vibrant. The details through line representation of feathers on the body allow the bird to be the main focus of the piece. The simple background, expertly blended is perfect for this subject. Don’t forget the details in the branch, softly blended in such  a way that it appears to be a prop that it is and not distract from the main subject. In this painting less is more.