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2025 Unbound:The Artists' Vision Show

August 3, 2025–September 30, 2025

The Awards

BEST IN SHOW

Rita and Reynaldo...and Ramon–John Koch

With a strong nod to the long tradition of movie and art posters, this work delights in its unique presentation and genre. We have a love story, maybe a bit lusty, maybe obsessive. We have indications of treachery, entertainment, and most certainly, a murder! Everything about this composition works perfectly: the three Hispanic-style windows serve as a backdrop to the drama unfolding before us. We are the detective dispatched to the scene, looking for clues. Note the three bullet holes in the window on the right. There is another gunshot hole on the floor directly next to a bright red splattering of blood. A strong diagonal divides the painting into two separate parts, like the pages of a story which provides us with clues and more information. These images depict the dancing duo of Rita and Reynaldo. They are accompanied by a musician playing a guitar. Their costumes inform us that they perform a kind of Spanish folk dance, maybe Flamenco. There is a rather humorous inuendo citing their act as a limited engagement. Indeed! 


Color and shape are used to effectively unify the composition, such as the flower in Rita's hair and round splotch of blood. The matching color treatment of the stage lights and the windows are further ways in which color acts as a unifier. The black and white photo of the presumed perpetrator seemingly attached like a police line-up works very well to answer any further inquiries. This is such a wonderfully engaging work of art. Do not miss the alliteration in the title. It is part of the total package. This juror loved it.

FIRST PLACE

Abandoned–Teri Lee

The artist has created a captivating image which draws the viewer into the world of Film Noir or, perhaps, a long-lost Gothic mystery novel. Compositionally, it is minimally but expertly composed of strong geometric triangles which set the stage for the protagonist: a time worn, wooden boat that has been abandoned on a remote and lonely shoreline. Therein lies the mystery, the narrative yearning to be understood. An ominous, misty, creeping fog adds to the depth of this dream-like reality. The stark and broken line of the tree limb interjecting from the left adds visual interest, balance in composition and narrative to the scene. Shadow created by dark to light is an additional strong compositional device. The decision to use a grey-toned palette is a winner. 

SECOND PLACE

Marty–Ron Fox

Who are you, Marty? I want to know your story. The artist has captured the image of a man who has lived long enough to have experienced the highs and lows of life. I know that Marty loves to go fishing, as a hobby or as his life's work. He does not require the fancy trappings of a privileged lifestyle. Drifting along in the water in his time-worn wooden boat, which is his favorite companion, he casually drops the hook and line into the water, waiting for a bit of luck to snag a fish. He is a patient man. How do I know? The artist clearly depicted his character and disposition. The graphite drawing reveals and defines the truth with carefully crafted lines, smudging of shadow and negative space that brings it all together perfectly. The oversized earthenware jar is a key player in this scene. Great addition. A bit of a loner, Marty has pulled onto the shore for a rest and a smoke. He has chosen an isolated spot to fish; no other people or boats are visible. This juror is so glad that you chose graphite as your creative instrument.

THIRD PLACE

From my Past–Paul Brand

Juror Comments and Bio

 Biography

Michele McClure Alexander is a local resident, having lived in Toledo and surrounding communities since the age of five. She attended Miami of Ohio where she earned her B.E. degree with majors in Spanish and History. Her post-graduate studies were completed at the University of Salamanca in Spain, where her interest in art history began. Michele taught high school for 21 years at both Witmer and St. Francis de Sales in Toledo. She was the first teacher to teach the subject of AP Art History in a high school in the NW Ohio area. Michele is a Master Docent at The Toledo Museum of Art where she has volunteered for forty-eight years. Her passion is visiting art museums and galleries. She has a modest personal collection of art which illustrates her eclectic taste in a wide range of styles and media.

Juror Comments

The theme of this exhibition reads like an invitation for the artists to be neither confined nor hesitant, but rather unrestrained in the approach to their medium of choice. The idea seems to have worked well, as the variety of unique styles and choices of subject matter display rich variations in freedom of vision. It was a delight for me to carefully gaze, take note of details, understand the process and contemplate the feelings or emotions that each artist then translated into the finished work of art. I offer my gratitude and respect to each participate whose passion for the artistic processes are displayed for us to admire and enjoy.


Michele Alexander


August 3, 2025