Founded 1943

2024 New Members Only Invitational Show

June 2, 2024, through July 30, 2024

Juror Comments and Short Bio

Lynn Whitney

About Lynn

Lynn Whitney, emerita faculty, served as Associate Director, 2017–2020, Studio Division Chair, 2006–2017 and head of Photography from 1987–2020 in the School of Art at Bowling Green State University. With roots in New England, Lynn Whitney is, for over thirty years, a northwest Ohio-based photographer whose photographs explore and examine the cultural landscape in which she finds herself. Through subtle means, she responds to and reflects upon current social and environmental issues with black-and-white film and her large

Photo of Lynn at work by Barbara Bosworth

format camera. She received her BA in American Culture Studies from Boston University, her BFA in Photography from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and her MFA from Yale University School of Art. Among her awards, she received commissions from the Toledo Museum of Art and

the George Gund Foundation in Cleveland, the Community Partner Award from the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and an Individual Artist Grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

Lynn's observations and comments

The exciting array of works in medium and content and the palpable delight I sensed that went into the making of every piece affirms the role art plays in our community and beyond. On the grounds of the Toledo Botanical Garden where rare and native species grow to be enjoyed, to educate, and to thrive–the Toledo Artists’ Club serves to shine a light, support, and celebrate the rare talents of our native/community artists.


Out of 82 very strong entries, I selected 50 works for the Gallery and Studio, something from every entrant. The selection represents the wonderful variety of expressions I found in the whole and amplifies the energy felt inside the Toledo Artists’ Club. Awarding eight prizes out of 50 really good works was indeed challenging!

For the selection of these awards, I focused on the polish or professionalism of presentation, craft, or skill with a chosen medium and content. I am drawn to work that is aesthetically meaningful and compels me to deeply engage.


It has been a privilege to select works for the Toledo Artists’ Club’s New Members Only Invitational Show. My thanks are extended to the participating new members, to the TAC staff and volunteers, and to the administrative team: Bren Clixby, Linda Shetzer, John Arquette, Bill Horvath, and Joe Fisher.


Welcome, and congratulations to all these NEW Members!


Lynn Whitney

June 2, 2024


The Awards

BEST IN SHOW

Frida–Bren Clixby


The piece I chose for Best in Show is Frida, a portrait of the artist Frida Kahlo, by Bren Clixby. The three-dimensional piece, a simple school room-like chair, is transformed by Frida’s presence. Boldly painted like Kahlo’s work, this familiar chair magnetically draws one’s attention to the iconic figure of Frida Kahlo and her enduring influence. If you are unfamiliar with the life and work of Frida Kahlo, this piece will ask you to do your research. 

FIRST PLACE

Little Me–Mahasti Jenabi


For First Place, Little Me, a self-portrait of the artist, Mahasti Jenabi, as a young girl, confronts the notion of dutiful innocence. Emerging out of a bucolic, well-lit landscape, Little Me portrays an idealism identified with children and childhood which we know will fade in time and with life’s experiences. 

SECOND PLACE

Homage to Thomas and Max–John Koch


For Second Place, I selected Homage to Thomas and Max by John Koch. Koch distills his colors and form to reflect the stillness in the quiet landscape to further emphasize the title, “Homage”. Ritual and rhythm are intertwined in this piece and the physical act of rowing.

THIRD PLACE

Tragedy–Kurtis Lutz


For Third Place, I chose the intricate pen and ink drawing, professionally presented, titled Tragedy, by Kurtis Lutz. A cicada killer is handling an annual cicada. This piece reminds us that both the 13- and 17-year broods will emerge in southeastern and midwestern states this month and, its expert draftsmanship emphasizes that we all would be better served if we paid closer attention.

HONORABLE MENTION

Eaton Centre Mall, Toronto–

Nancy Light


Eaton Centre Mall, Toronto, Nancy Light’s photograph of a magnificent, palatial mall built to elevate a consumer’s experience, her stance minimizes our human presence, emphasizing instead the captivating and quite captive ‘flight’ of a sculptural avian species. The light coming through portals is all that remains to remind the viewer of the natural world.

HONORABLE MENTION

Fox and Geese–Jeffery Savino


Jeff Savino’s remarkably crafted game board with pieces and instructions, Fox and Geese, is seriously playful. With roots in pubs of the Middle Ages, the game is “unusual in that the sides are unequal”–the lone fox attempts to capture the 13 geese for a meal while the geese work to hem the fox into a corner. I am drawn to the beautiful marquetry, woodworking, and imagination that brought to our attention a historic game that mirrors the current social landscape as well.

HONORABLE MENTION

The Illusive–Brianna Deterling


In Brianna Deterling’s ceramic piece The Illusive, her striking birch bark-like surface–so well-crafted it appears real–confounds us with its interior, rich in ceramic polish and depth.

HONORABLE MENTION

The Grind–Marla Schecht


Marla Schecht’s The Grind playfully addresses through title and form the daily routine of arriving for work. though the work seems meaningless or formless. The two yellow-clad figures stand in judgment while the main character enters, unclad as if in a dream/nightmare.

If you wish to purchase work that shows a price, contact the Toledo Artists' Club to make arrangements.

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