Summer Sensations Open Juried Show
Summer Sensations, an open all media juried show
July 16 – August 9, 2024
Juror Statement:
Art appreciation can be very subjective. One juror’s criteria can vary dramatically from another’s. We see art through our own unique lens, filtered by our own standards which tend to change and evolve over time. For me, it starts with the traditional elements: composition, color theory, use of light and shadow, dimension, balance, precision, and overall technical excellence. Then the intangibles came, mood, energy, style, an unusual technique, storytelling, and the element of surprise. Even so, it can still be unnerving to rate one work of art against another that might be completely different, yet have great merit in its own right.
So, it was invigorating and challenging to review and choose among the amazing range of work presented here. Everyone brought their very best to this exhibition. From realism to impressionism, landscapes to portraits, abstracts to high-concept—it was an honor to jury such wonderful work, and I have tried to be fair and even-handed in my decisions.
Congrats to the winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all the members and staff of Art Center Manatee for allowing me to participate in this outstanding and captivating show!
Mark Mitchell
First Place, Ellen Kirwan, Blazing Aegan
I surprised myself when I chose this beautiful abstract for 1st Place! The genre is generally a bit outside my typical preferences, and yet I could not ignore the “wall power” of this large-scale piece. The murky depths of the blue field below conjure a contemplative mood, contrasted by the lively splashes of warm tones above—dancing like fire and energizing the room.
Second Place, Susanna Spann, The Yellow Cup
A beautiful subject and a flawless execution. The cherubic girl’s warm smile and charming silhouette are perched asymmetrically on the top left, drawing you in, as your eye wanders through the greenery. A studied, subtle use of light and shadow illuminate the scene. True mastery of the watercolor medium.
Third Place, Lynn Mann-Hallmark, Jungle Vibe
This big, colorful triptych will bring a smile to anyone’s face. The explorer and jungle creatures set against a sunset are carefully composed to keep your eyes engaged. The poster-like quality of the foreground elements appeal to my pop art aesthetic, while their simplified style remind me a bit of the work of Henri Rousseau.
Merit, Rajini Kanth Reddy, Back To Life
This stark dimensional piece stands out from the pack, with its unusual material choices, textures, and the way it reacts to light. It has a bold, contemporary feel I can imagine exhibiting well in an upscale commercial gallery, or a modern home.
Honorable Mention, Stephen Brewer, Tropical Invite
Not “just another seaside” painting, this large-scale piece boasts a dynamic and unusual composition, contrasting a bright sunlit beach with a stormy sky, while roughly a third of the canvas is cast in shadow. The well-studied shapes and impressionistic hues of those shadows are what really sold me.
Honorable Mention, Gary Green, St. Armand’s Corvette Summer
Who doesn’t love a classic sports car? The artist captures the spirit and energy of a curious local car show crowd, while rendering this timeless Corvette with reverance, painstaking detail, gorgeous reflections, and a creative use of color.
Honorable Mention, George Stuart, Elysian Fields
This is one of those special paintings that invites a conversation with the viewer. A world-weary face in the foreground elicits one’s empathy, lost in a daydream of elusive dandelion wishes. It is a conceptual piece, begging questions about life and spirituality. The intricate rendering of detail and use of color add layers to appreciate here.
Create 2024 Open Juried Show
Create 2024
All Media Open Juried Show
All Galleries
ArtCenter Manatee presents the 5th Annual exhibition Create, an all media open juried show with large cash prizes. This exhibit is the kickoff to our 2024-2025 Exhibition Schedule.
Online Submission Dates: August 3 – August 23, 4 pm
Online Notifications: August 26, by 4 pm
Drop off/Receiving: August 28, 9-12 pm
Opening Reception: September 5, 5 – 7 pm
Pick Up: September 28, 9 – 12 pm
First Place: $1500
Second Place: $1000
Third Place: $500
Merit: $250
Honorable Mention (3)
Dreamscapes Open Juried Show
Dreamscapes, an all media open juried show
When considering a piece for exhibition, good composition and excellent technique are a must. It can be any style or subject, the more variety the better. An award winner will have the WOW factor. It may surprise or entertain me or impress me with a high degree of talent, professionalism, or heartfelt emotion. (One tip when entering online: show only image, no frame and be in focus). As an artist myself I understand the joys and struggles of art making. Thank you all for sharing your creations.
It has been an honor.
Diane Schmidt, AWS, NWS ISEA-Master
First Place: The Celestial Womb by Gary LaParl
This outstanding piece is on a very high level of sophistication. The composition and technique are flawless and it is so intriguing to look at and ponder. Makes me want to see more of this person’s work.
Second Place: Questions & Suggestions by Kevin Hawley
I was intrigued and entertained by this piece. Great idea including title. Note the directional aspect. Pointing to an unknown answer perhaps? This one deserved a longer look for sure.
Third Place: Sometimes It’s Just Too Hard To Make A Decision by Alice Sundstrom
I was blown away by this fabulous piece. Here is a prime example of mastery of media, and professionalism. Beautiful, imaginative, and fits the theme of Dreamscapes. I only wish it were larger.
Merit: Symbiosis by Michael Knapp
Stunning show stopper for sure. This masterful depiction makes the viewer go beyond the visual and wonder about meaning. Is this symbiosis mutually beneficial or detrimental?
Best In 3D: Old Woman With Owl by Sue Kerr
This exciting piece is masterfully done with a variety of textures and finishes. I felt a lot of emotion when enjoying this beautiful work. Bravo!
Honorable Mention: Moonlight by Leann Kaska
Whimsical scene in beautiful colors. I found it fit the theme of Dreamscapes very well. Masterful composition. If I block out the dog, it becomes dull in comparison. Placement and color make the dog vital. This artist has a very good sense of design.
Honorable Mention: Purple Haze by Lynn Shaffer
This lovely pastel evokes the theme of Dreamscapes perfectly. Delicate touch and colors reminiscent of a serene time of day. Masterful pastel work.
Honorable Mention: Little Benny Franklinstein by Gregg Wilkins
Terrific art does not have to be serious or academic. I am still smiling remembering this piece. It shows the combination of created sculpture mixed with found objects and lots of detail. I looked carefully and noted the cracked glasses, artists model hands and of course, Benny’s statement.
Manatee County School District Annual K-12 Exhibition
AWARDS 2D | ARTIST | School | TITLE OF WORK | MEDIA |
Grades K-2 | ||||
1st Place | Harley A. | Witt Elem | Bunny | Watercolor |
2nd Place | Emerson N. | Freedom Elem | Solomon Crocodile | Crayon |
3rd Place | Lindsey K. | Witt Elem | Moodscape | Watercolor |
Honorable Mention | Krista B. | Williams Elem | China’s Festival | Tempera & Oil Pastel |
Grades 3-5 | ||||
1st Place | Myla B. | Rowlett Elem | The Pear | Soft Pastel & Pencil |
2nd Place | Nicolas S. | Bashaw Elem | Blossom | Chalk Pastel |
3rd Place | Abby B. | Gullett Elem | Glowing Depth | Mixed Media |
Honorable Mention | Elias R. | Miller Elem | Golden Spinach Ramen | Mixed Media |
Grades 6-8 | ||||
1st Place | Paige C. | Mona Jain MS | Untitled | Collage |
2nd Place | Mazie Z. | Rowlett MS | Sharks In The Water | Clay, Acrylic & Ink |
3rd Place | Cheomin M. | Mona Jain MS | A Girl With Wings | Digital |
Honorable Mention | Camille M. | Mona Jain MS | Sunset Paradise | Watercolor |
Grades 9-12 | ||||
1st Place | Anne D. | MSA HS | Lily Of The Valley | Acrylic |
2nd Place | Valerie J. | MSA HS | Rising From Oblivion: A Portrait Of The Dodo | Watercolor & Carbon Pencils |
3rd Place | Amara W. | Bayshore HS | Swimming Solitude | Watercolor |
Honorable Mention | Isabela E. | MSA HS | Sallie Adams Men | Acrylic |
AWARDS 3D | ARTIST | School | TITLE OF WORK | MEDIA |
Grades K-2 | ||||
1st Place | Jason D., Aiden H., Hansel V., & Clifford H. | Bayshore Elem | Pepperoni Pizza | Clay |
Grades 3-5 | ||||
1st Place | Stella A. | Sea Breeze Elem | The Egg | Clay & Acrylic |
2nd Place | Bianka R-G. | Rowlett Elem | The Last Day Of The Sun | Clay |
3rd Place | Julianna G. | Witt Elem | Coil Dish | Pottery |
Honorable Mention | Angel B-S. | Ballard Elem | Baby Rex | Clay |
Grades 6-8 | ||||
1st Place | Grayce R. | Rowlett MS | Bookworm | Recycled Book & Clay |
2nd Place | Tatiyana S. | Rowlett MS | Orchid Cluster | Mixed Media |
3rd Place | MaKaylie T. | Rowlett MS | Stingray | Paper Mache’ |
Honorable Mention | Jayde G. | Lee MS | Old Fairytale | Clay & Acrylic |
Grades 9-12 | ||||
1st Place | Israel S. | Manatee HS | Hand And Foot | Clay |
2nd Place | Sarah B. | Parrish HS | Bonnet Head | Plaster & Cardboard |
3rd Place | Kiera K., Kadance W., & Jaliyah H. | Bayshore HS | Ceramic Fairytale: The Royals | Ceramic |
Honorable Mention | Bryan C. | Bayshore HS | Portrait Of Hunter | Ceramic |
Spring Forward, an all media open juried show
Spring Forward, an all media open juried show
1ST PLACE | 39E | Kittie Yohe | Patience | Collage | |
2ND PLACE | 36E | Sandra Wix | Golden Morning | Acrylic | |
3RD PLACE | 93 | Lorraine Chukly | On My Trip | Oil | |
MERIT | 40E | William Perry | Caught In A Breeze | Watercolor | |
Best in 3D | 66 | Jim Crawford | Cubist Cat | Raku | |
HONORABLE MENTION | 107 | Elise Manieri | Blue Lagoon | Acrylic | |
HONORABLE MENTION | 84 | Ken Snyder | No Parking | Watercolor | |
HONORABLE MENTION | 21E | Michael Knapp | Dancing On The Edge | Acrylic |
Juror: Larry Felder
Larry Felder graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1974, earning a BFA in Studio Painting studying under California Modernist, Michael Frary, while at the same time learning art direction from Dr. Leonard Ruben. After a successful 30-year career as an advertising and publishing creative director, Felder and his wife, Linda, retired to the Texas coast in 2004 and founded Felder Gallery in Rockport, Texas.
Felder has experimented with different subjects and styles through the years, but now concentrates on Realism. Felder enjoys making things look real in his work, but insists they are not
photographic. “Real to me is not photographic. The human eye is so much better than a camera lens when it comes to seeing detail and light in both the shadows and highlights. My photos are a starting point.”
Felder’s most recent work is personal, using subject matter in still life paintings that he has collected over the years — objects that tell a story when combined together in the right light.
After having success with their gallery in Rockport, the Felders moved to Costa Rica in 2010 and their son, Robby, took over the gallery. Then, after four years, they returned to the States and now reside in Lake Placid, Florida. Felder’s work may be seen at his Florida studio, or at the Felder Gallery in San Antonio.
Larry Felder is a member of Oil Painters of America, International Guild of Realism, Art Center Manatee, and Art Center Sarasota. He has won numerous national and local awards for his work.
Fine Tuned with Larry Felder & Joel Hunnicutt
Larry Felder
There is something about telling a story with oil paint that transcends oral language. At my age I have a lot of stories. I suppose we all do. But it is rare for someone to take the time to hear a good story start to finish. Everyone is in a hurry for you to finish a sentence so they can tell you about their own experience.
In recent years I have tried to tell stories with my work. To present a visual story that begins a conversation with the viewer –– an idea that starts with something I find interesting and ends with what the viewer adds from their own experiences. It is a silent conversation. So instead of someone interrupting my story while itching to get their story heard, we are sharing the story. It becomes both our stories. I start and they finish. That makes us both happy.
My style is a product of early drafting and architectural studies that emphasized precision and details, combined with a BFA in studio painting and a 30-year career in graphic design. While photography is my primary reference, my goal is to create an image that would be what the eye would see beyond the camera lens. Details draw people closer in and thus we start our conversation and we share our story.
Joel Hunnicutt
Approximately twenty years ago I signed up for a furniture making class at a community college. The idea was to learn how to make furniture for my home. As soon as I turned the pedestal for the table I was creating, I was hooked. Not on furniture making, but on using the lathe. I instinctively knew what to do. It felt right. Over the years, I realized that I wanted to take my love of wood, give it the luminosity of
glass while using the forms of ancient pottery. This led me to segmented wood turning. I cut many small segments of wood, assemble the pieces into a rough form and then turn it to the final shape. Through an additive process, I reinterpret the ancient and classical forms and couple these forms with 21st century surface treatments. These forms are made new again with vibrant colors not normally associated with wood.
Limitless
June 4 – July 12 – 1 Exhibition
Limitless
All Media Open Juried Show
All Galleries
Like the title suggests, artists are asked to share their own interpretation of the word limitless.
Online Submission Dates: May 3 – May 24, 4 pm
Online Notifications: May 29, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: June 1, 9-12
Opening Reception: June 6, 5 – 7
Juror: Jenny Medved
Jenny Medved is an award winning representational figurative artist based out of Sarasota, Florida. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Jenny moved to Florida in 2000 to obtain her BFA in Illustration from Ringling College of Art & Design. Jenny holds a MFA in Figurative Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, where she studied under mentor’s Zack Zdrale, and William Whitaker. Jenny also studied traditional portraiture at the Florence Academy of Art, in Florence, Italy. Jenny is a member of the Hawaii Watercolor Society (HWS), the National Watercolor Society (NWS), a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society (FWS), American Artist Professional League and a master signature member as well as the 2020-22 President of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society (FSWS).
Online entry has closed. In-person receiving is Wednesday August 28, 9:00-Noon.- 1
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