Founded 1943

Juror's Statement

It is difficult to judge a collection of images based on a theme as broad-ranging as Landscapes and Urban Scenes. As a practicing artist, and especially as an individual with academic knowledge of images that fit in that category, the task becomes more difficult to consider. Judging from the Internet images presented another dimension of difficulty. The actual size of the images became
a very important aspect of decision-making. Many artists submitted several images for consideration. A recognizable “signature” is apparent in multiple works. I noted “the BEST” of those that reflected a similar style or technique.

The Best of Show award went to Autumn Estuary. The active recording of a natural scene requires the immediacy of the “plein-air” approach to the subject. The larger size is also very important and invites the viewer to participate.

Split Rock Lighthouse depicts the broken surface of this rocky prominence, the transparency of water, and the effect of light in the sky and shadows on these surfaces using opaque acrylic paint and does so very effectively. This image merits the First-Place award. 

Sorbet Sunset received the Second-Place award. The 8” x 10” format makes the largeness of
a sunset fit the size of this little gem.

Margate Park seen from my Window uses the birds-eye view and makes the most of this presentation. No other image in the show uses this point of view, and thereby, it receives the
Third-Place designation.

Honorable Mention awards go to the following; The Blue House utilizes the accidental flow of colors in an “automatic” depiction of lines; Jeremy is a sensitive study of a well-worn location in black and white photography. (Look closely to find the titular subject…). Low Water at Weir Rapids uses the white of the paper to help the viewer experience the sunlight in this location. To the Rocks presents
a complex scene that avoids the rectangle format and allows the viewer to complete the location
and environment.

This exhibition invites the viewers to share those aspects of our world that caused these artists to respond in these pictures. As such it was a pleasure to share your worlds!

Thank you.

Robert A. Schira, BFA, MFA

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AWARD WINNERS!