Founded 1943

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2025 Faces of Those Around Us Show

February 2, 2025, through March 26, 2025

Juror Comments and Bio

Biography

Erin teaches painting, drawing, life drawing, art history, foundations and capstone courses at Lourdes University. In addition, she coordinates the Sr. Jane Mary Sorosiak Lecture Series, involving presentations on topics in the arts. Some past presentations have included “Artist Ken Thompson,” “The Sights and Sounds of Judaism” with composer Dr. Samuel Adler and art historian Ruthy Behare Light, “Censorship in the Arts,” Dr. Brian Kennedy, “Cover Stories,” Thomas Allen, “Digital Photography in the Commercial Market,” Eric Eggly, “Painter and Muralist: Hubert Massey,” “Portrait of an Artist,” Leslie Adams, “Celebration of Food, Ceramic Objects, Thoughtful Dialog”, Jeni Hansen Gard and “Acquisition Anecdotes of a TMA Curator of European Paintings,” Lawrence W. Nichols.

Erin served as a studio assistant with the “Community” exhibition by Rebecca Louise Law and a painting assistant on the Sol Lewitt acquisition “Wall Drawing #760”, both for the Toledo Museum of Art.



She has over 30 years of gallery experience working with the former Spectrum Gallery at Toledo Botanical Garden, the former Lourdes Gallery Loft and as coordinator for exhibitions at the Lourdes University Canticle Center Gallery. In addition, over the past 18 years, Erin has juried numerous exhibitions covering a variety of media and topics, both regionally and nationally.

She currently sits on the community board of the Toledo Area Cultural Leaders (TACL), an arts advocacy committee, and served many years on the former Toledo Federation of Art Societies (past President). She is a past president of the Medici Circle Advisory Council at Bowling Green State University. She is also a member of the Athena Art Society, one of the oldest women’s art organizations in the country which was established in 1903.

Erin is also a practicing artist who exhibits nationally.

Juror Comments

It was a privilege to jury the 2025 Faces of Those Around Us Exhibition. All of the work showed a love that we all have for creation and even what we find stimulating enough to desire to reinvent.

Artists are driven…and this drive keeps us interested, active and alive as humans. I congratulate all the artists that not only exhibited in the show, but that also entered it. All of the work shows a dedication of time, talent and treasure. Be proud of yourselves.


-Erin Szavuly

February 2, 2025

The Awards

BEST IN SHOW

First Tooth–Don Rowland

Don Rowland’s “First Tooth” not only captures a beautiful moment, but shows such a level of craftsmanship of the media and knowledge of the human form. The Best of Show therefore showcases these strengths.

FIRST PLACE

Penny–Elenore Weber

In first place, Elenor Weber’s, “Penny” not only captures the coloring and stance of the dog, but also reflects the personality of Penny.  She is arrested in a moment in time, but you know it will not last! The anatomy of our furry friends is captured wonderfully here.

SECOND PLACE

Sling Fling–William Horvath

I was taken with William Horvath’s “Sling Fling” as it captures a moment in time where a few people are surrounded by those familiar and are able to show the connection of that bond. Playful and fun which is also supported by the bold use of color. Fun piece!

THIRD PLACE

Teach your Children Well–Teri Utz Bersee

In Teri Utz Bersee’s “Teach Your Children Well’, my third place choice, the painterly approach to the figures gives them life and presence.  Teri was able to capture the youthfulness and yet seriousness of the patriotism of the moment for the two boys.  The support of the negative space to reinforce the theme works well and is well planned.
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