Picture This, A Curated Exhibition

In September 1980, a group of individuals bonded by a common interest in photography, established an organization to help them master and perpetuate this interest, which became known as the Suncoast Camera Club.  Its founders were:  Dr. Jack H. Sanders, Dr. LeMoyne F. Johnson, and Ms. Dottie Favorite.

The mission of the Suncoast Camera Club (SCC) shall be to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of photography in the membership and community, through meetings, presentations, classes, seminars, contests, exhibits, and field trips.

Opening Reception: January 29, 5:00-7:00

About The Juror

John (Jack) Migliore started into photography at the very young age of ten with a requested Christmas gift of a Polaroid camera. As his interest in photography grew, so did his desire and ability to draw and paint. He completed The Famous Artists’ Schools two year program as a teenager and then purchased his first SLR film camera prior to graduation from high school. His interest and share experiences in art and photography have been a lifelong endeavor and joy.

Jack has currently served as Print Director for the Florida Camera Club Council for over 3 years and is a member of four competing member clubs. He has won numerous ribbons both locally and on the state level. Jack’s interest in judging grew strong as he began competing and his eagerness to learn “what makes winning images” became second to none. In 2018, he completed his first certification to judge via the Florida Camera Club Council’s judge certification program, and in 2019, he went on to complete the Photographic Society of America’s “Advanced Image Analysis” certification program. He has since judged thousands of images, and strives, with his judging, to help people become better photographers, while learning many things himself from the images in which he evaluates.

 

 

 

Special Thanks to Johnson PhotoImaging Award Sponsor

 

AWARDS	#	ARTIST’S NAME	TITLE OF WORK	MEDIA
1ST PLACE	12	Joey Stuart	Fixer Upper	Photography
2ND PLACE	72	Bryan Wilt	Long Ago	Photography
3RD PLACE	14	Joey Stuart	Sons Of A Sailor	Photography
MERIT	15	Angela J. Murray	Serenity In Scales	Photography
HONORABLE MENTION	17	Angela J. Murray	Psst – Look Up Here	Photography
HONORABLE MENTION	50	David Taylor	Pier Of Muskeo	Photography
HONORABLE MENTION	59	Nancy Best	Make A Wish	Photography
HONORABLE MENTION	9	Vincent Veneruso	A Parrot’s Secret	Photography

First Place, Fixer Upper, Joey Stewart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Place, Long Ago, Bryan Wilt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Place, Sons Of A Sailor, Joey Stewart

#	First	Last	Title	Medium	Price
59	Nancy	Best	Make A Wish	Photography	$               100
60	Nancy	Best	Mini View	Photography	$               100
61	Harry	Best	Moonflower View	Photography	$                 75
62	Harry	Best	November Sunset	Photography	$               125
16	Robert	Bolcik	Egret	Photography	NFS
20	Robert	Bolcik	Humming Bird	Photography	NFS
24	Robert	Bolcik	Spoonbill	Photography	NFS
57	Tony	Franzini	Driftwood Beach	Photography	$               165
58	Tony	Franzini	Intentional Camera Movement At G.T. Bray Park	Photography	$               165
1	Shirley	Hamilton	Twist Of Time	Photography	$               250
2	Shirley	Hamilton	Hog Doo Heaven	Photography	$               250
5	Robert	Hamilton	T.A. Moulton Barn Sunrise	Photography	$              300
6	Robert	Hamilton	Yellowstone’s Meadow Sentinel	Photography	$               275
18	Robert	Hamilton	The Queen’s Guards	Photography	$              300
25	Shirley	Hamilton	Country Charm	Photography	$               180
26	Shirley	Hamilton	Living Fossil	Photography	$               180
27	Shirley	Hamilton	A Mammoth Hot Springs Afternoon	Photography	$               180
28	Robert	Hamilton	Mystic Seaport	Photography	$              200
29	Robert	Hamilton	Desert Sentinel Of Bryce Canyon	Photography	$               190
48	Teresa	Hartery	Barns Beneath An Open Sky	Photography	$              200
49	Teresa	Hartery	Harvest Ready	Photography	$           1,000
73	Kelly	Ireland	At The Divide, Georgia Pass	Photography	$           2,500
74	Kelly	Ireland	The Lookout	Photography	$           2,000
21	LeMoyne	Johnson	Sunset On Manatee River	Photography	NFS
22	LeMoyne	Johnson	Solitary Sentinel	Photography	NFS
23	LeMoyne	Johnson	Freedom Fighter, Re-enactor 54th Mass Union Army	Photography	NFS
34	LeMoyne	Johnson	Goin’ Fishin’	Photography	NFS
35	LeMoyne	Johnson	Ready Fire	Photography	NFS
36	LeMoyne	Johnson	Yellowstone Winter	Photography	NFS
37	LeMoyne	Johnson	By The Light Of The Silvery Moon	Photography	NFS
63	Douglas	Jones	Gillette Castle	Photography	NFS
64	Douglas	Jones	Fairy Tails	Photography	$                 25
65	Douglas	Jones	Ancient Ways	Photography	NFS
66	Lani	Jones	Sunday Afternoon	Photography	NFS
67	Lani	Jones	Light Bridge	Photography	NFS
68	Lani	Jones	Don’t Worry	Photography	NFS
75	Karen	Kaiser	Yellowstone	Photography	NFS
76	Karen	Kaiser	The Caller	Photography	NFS
77	Karen	Kaiser	Farm House	Photography	$               210
78	Karen	Kaiser	Where Others Have Gone	Photography	$                175
79	Karen	Kaiser	San Telmo Stairway	Photography	$               210
42	Declan	Keenan	Scenic V-Ewe	Photography	$                 60
43	Declan	Keenan	No Agenda SOLD	Photography	$                 75
44	Declan	Keenan	Pretty On Pink	Photography	$                 75
52	Maureen	Kipferl	Ohhh, Really!?!	Photography	NFS
53	Maureen	Kipferl	The Presence Of Promise	Photography	$               180
39	Dixon	Lang	Untitled	Photography	NFS
40	Dixon	Lang	Untitled	Photography	NFS
41	Dixon	Lang	Untitled	Photography	NFS
54	Steven	Mosure	Raptor Fest	Photography	$                 50
55	Steven	Mosure	Viper Demo	Photography	$                 80
56	Steven	Mosure	Lone Stance	Photography	$               100
15	Angela J.	Murray	Serenity In Scales	Photography	$               250
17	Angela J.	Murray	Psst – Look Up Here	Photography	$               270
19	Angela J.	Murray	Snowy Heart	Photography	$               270
10	Linda	O’Connor-Levey	Polar Bear On Tundra	Photography	NFS
11	Linda	O’Connor-Levey	Pink Rose	Photography	NFS
3	Rhonda	Olschefskie	Aninga At Rest	Photography	$               100
4	Rhonda	Olschefskie	Sea Nettle Jelly Fish	Photography	$               325
32	Charles	Phillips	Winter Residents Of Cortez	Photography	$                 75
33	Charles	Phillips	Village Greeters	Photography	$                 80
80	Jeri	Reeve	The Master’s Canvas	Photography	$              200
81	Jeri	Reeve	Whisper Of Wings	Photography	$              300
82	Jeri	Reeve	Another Day At The Office	Photography	$               250
83	Jeri	Reeve	Taking A Break	Photography	$              200
45	Mary	Ringland	Where’s The Nut?	Photography	$               350
46	Mary	Ringland	Refreshing Drink	Photography	$               350
47	Mary	Ringland	All Tucked In	Photography	$              300
12	Joey	Stewart	Fixer Upper SOLD	Photography	$               250
14	Joey	Stewart	Sons Of A Sailor SOLD	Photography	$               150
30	Joey	Stewart	Rear View	Photography	$               150
31	Joey	Stewart	Pedal Power SOLD	Photography	$               150
38	Joey	Stewart	Edge Of Summer	Photography	$               150
50	David	Taylor	Pier Of Muskeo	Photography	$           1,000
51	David	Taylor	Piered Sunset	Photography	$           1,000
7	Vincent	Veneruso	Pink Reverie	Photography	$               150
8	Vincent	Veneruso	Beachbound Dreams	Photography	$              200
9	Vincent	Veneruso	A Parrot’s Secret	Photography	$               150
13	Vincent	Veneruso	Elegance In Bloom	Photography	$               150
71	Bryan	Wilt	Peaceful SOLD	Photography	$               150
72	Bryan	Wilt	Long Ago	Photography	$               150
69	Judy	Zelio	Crane Superiority	Photography	NFS
70	Judy	Zelio	Lost River	Photography	NFS

 

Places & Faces, Jane Keeling & Susan Covert, Curated Exhibition

Featuring the work of Jane Keeling and Susan Covert, Places & Faces is a vast array of landscapes and portraits. Scenes from Florida, from the artists’ travels as well as interesting portraits, many of which are painting from life or in Plein Air.

#	First Name	Last Name	Title	Medium	Price
1	Susan	Covert	Duria	Oil	$     620
2	Susan	Covert	Edith	Oil	$     620
3	Susan	Covert	Dinner At Alexanders	Oil	$     800
4	Susan	Covert	Miss Curleylocks	Oil	$     430
5	Susan	Covert	Teddy	Oil	$     770
6	Susan	Covert	Reclining Woman	Oil	$     430
7	Susan	Covert	Spenser	Oil	$     430
8	Susan	Covert	Renaissance Man	Oil	$     620
9	Susan	Covert	Zeria	Oil	$     620
10	Susan	Covert	Study Of Jen	Oil	$     770
11	Susan	Covert	Girl In Spanish Blouse	Oil	$     430
12	Susan	Covert	Memi	Oil	$     620
13	Susan	Covert	Market Day	Oil	$     620
14	Susan	Covert	Vanishing Landscape	Oil	$     620
15	Susan	Covert	The Sunnyside	Oil	$     620
16	Susan	Covert	The Backlands Pond	Oil	$     430
17	Susan	Covert	Stone Crab Boat	Oil	$     430
18	Susan	Covert	Wekiva River	Oil	$     620
19	Susan	Covert	Ancient Caspersons Beach	Oil	$     430
20	Susan	Covert	Alley Off Canal Street	Oil	$     430
21	Susan	Covert	Paradise Farm	Oil	$  2,080
22	Susan	Covert	Keuka Lake View	Oil	$  6,330
23	Susan	Covert	Spanish Man	Oil	$     430
24	Susan	Covert	Backyard Laundry	Oil	$     630
26	Jane	Keeling	Bunny’s Garden	Oil	$  2,020
27	Jane	Keeling	Holmes Beach	Oil	$  3,000
28	Jane	Keeling	Winged Sunset	Oil	$  3,000
29	Jane	Keeling	Lakka Port Greece	Oil	$  2,020
30	Jane	Keeling	Evening Commute	Oil	$  2,020
31	Jane	Keeling	Almost There	Oil	$  2,020
32	Jane	Keeling	House On The Lane (Hopetown)	Oil	$     650
33	Jane	Keeling	Hopetown Port	Oil	$     400
34	Jane	Keeling	Palma Sola Botanical Pond	Oil	$     650
35	Jane	Keeling	Indian Beach Home	Oil	$     400
36	Jane	Keeling	Sarasota Bay	Oil	$     400
37	Jane	Keeling	Monastery Reflection Pool (Napa)	Oil	$     650
38	Jane	Keeling	Date Palm Shadows (Napa)	Oil	$     480
39	Jane	Keeling	Wine Country Farm	Oil	$     400
40	Jane	Keeling	St. Helena Estate	Oil	$     650
41	Jane	Keeling	Colorful Napa Valley	Oil	$     650
42	Jane	Keeling	Quince Tree (Montenegro)	Oil	$     400
43	Jane	Keeling	After Dinner Stroll	Oil	$     650
44	Jane	Keeling	This Could Be Yours! (Croatia)	Oil	$  1,400
45	Jane	Keeling	Cozy Afternoon At Katie Cundiff studio	Oil	$  1,400
46	Jane	Keeling	Exotic Edith At Susan Foster studio	Oil	$     650
47	Jane	Keeling	Summer Pond At Long Bar Point	Oil	$  1,400
48	Jane	Keeling	Italian Farm Spannocchia	Oil	$  1,400
49	Jane	Keeling	Peaceful Path	Oil	$  3,000
50	Jane	Keeling	Vizcaya Fountain	Oil	$     650

Endangered Species, by Lynn Mann-Hallmark

My work is a celebration of emotion—raw, radiant, and unapologetically alive. Through vivid color and bold brushwork, I explore the intimate connection between nature, women, and animals, weaving them into visual narratives that speak to the soul. Each painting is a dialogue between feeling and form, where the wildness of the natural world meets the quiet strength of feminine energy.

I am drawn to moments that pulse with life: the curve of a wave, the gaze of a cat, the resilience in a woman’s stance. These subjects are not just muses—they are mirrors reflecting the emotional landscapes we all traverse. My palette is instinctive, often fiery or serene, depending on the story I’m telling. Whether it’s a stormy sky or a tranquil jungle, I aim to evoke a visceral response, inviting viewers to feel deeply and connect personally.

I paint because I care—about the Earth, its beauty, people and our role in protecting it. Painting is my way of honoring the beauty and complexity of the planet and our existence. It’s not just what we see, it’s what we feel.

Title	Medium	Price
Quiet Luxury	Oil	$             1,200
The Emperor Has No Clothes	Oil	$             1,500
A Butterfly’s Freedom	Oil	$             1,000
The Intruder	Oil	$             4,000
White Fragility	Oil	$             1,000
Hygieia Medicine Women	Oil	$             1,000
Guardian Of The Deep	Oil	$             1,500
The Boat Ride	Oil	$             1,200
Cat Ladies Dance	Oil	$             3,000
Deep Peace	Oil	$             1,200
Pink Martini	Oil	$             2,000
Bon Voyage	Oil	$             1,000
Skinny Dip	Oil	$             1,200
The Messengers	Oil	$             1,200
Let Them Eat Cake	Oil	$             1,200
Endangered Species	Oil	$             1,200
Cry From The Sea	Oil	$             1,200
Unfinished Business	Oil	$                800

 

12 x 12, An All Media Open Juried Exhibition

Juror’s Statement

I have really been impressed with the talent, creativity and variety in this 12×12 or smaller show. While the winners stood out for various reasons there were many close contenders. My main criteria when judging the show were design, composition, values, use of color, skill in handling materials and the ever elusive….did it make me feel something. I want to stress the importance of framing or cleanly painted sharp edges on the gallery wrap.

Congratulations on a fantastic show!

Jane Keeling

First Place

The Mystery Of The Green Cat, Gary Green, Acrylic

This wonderful painting has so much going for it. The subject matter is a place with a cat that is familiar to the artist. The use of color and handling of light are effective. There is atmosphere and depth through the variation of edges and values. AND the cat’s attitude is evident.

Second Place

Blue, Kate Wendt, Oil & Cold Wax

The bold design pulled me in and the confident use of color layers and texture held my gaze. There is a stained glass effect going on that makes it seem like shadows beyond.

Third Place

Pisces Dream, Debra Eisenmann, Mixed Media

The artist has created an imaginary undersea world that is enchanting. The clever use of pattern and color layers and a fish kept it playful yet convincing. The balance of values and composition are strong.

Merit

Piece Of My Heart, Gloria Comerford, Mixed Media

Solid composition, color harmony and interesting detail work successfully in this charmer. The framing is an enhancement and does not overpower this small piece.

Best In 3D

Bug-I, George Bieber, Clay

This small sculpture has a large personality. The skill of the sculptor and use of fanciful colors blend to create a whimsical wonder.

Honorable Mention

Trancen-dance, Liz Reyes, Acrylic

Orchids, confetti and hyper color are painted well to create a magic world however, the background color pulls in front of the subject visually.

Honorable Mention

Trafalgar Square, William Perry, Watercolor

The handling of light can be felt in this amazingly drawn little jewel of a painting. This is worth doing larger.

Honorable Mention

Controlled Colorful Chaos, Allison Rogers, Acrylic & Oil Pastels

Each of these pieces balance color, values, detail and texture while also working together as a whole. The skill in handling materials is evident. The canvas edges could be sharper when not framed.

#	First	Last	Title	Medium	Price
105	Elaine	Anagnos	Breaking	Acrylic	$   125
106	Elaine	Anagnos	Going Home	Acrylic	$   125
53	Susan	Art	Fun Flower	Mixed Media	$     90
78	George	Bieber	Bug-I	Clay	$   350
79	Stephen	Brewer	Salt Water Marsh	Acrylic	$   300
80	Stephen	Brewer	Boats At Dock	Acrylic	$   300
97	Lorraine	Chukly	Summer Breeze	Oil	$   250
98	Lorraine	Chukly	First Coffee	Oil	$   250
99	Lorraine	Chukly	Lemon Breeze	Oil	$   250
66	Gloria	Comerford	Fall To Pieces	Mixed Media	$   120
67	Gloria	Comerford	Piece By Piece	Mixed Media	$   120
68	Gloria	Comerford	Piece Of My Heart	Mixed Media	$   120
1E	Gary	Cooper	Lizzy	Watercolor	$     40
2E	Jean	Cormier	Chick Chat	Oil	$   185
3E	Jean	Cormier	In A Gray World, Be The Red Car	Oil	$   185
4E A/B	Jean	Cormier	Egg, No Bacon Please	Oil	$   185
42	Marjorie	Crawford	Flowers	Acrylic	$     85
43	Jim	Crawford	Mountain Chapel	Pottery	$     70
74	JoAnne	Curtan	I Love Trains	Watercolor	$   600
75	JoAnne	Curtan	In The Sea	Mixed Media	$   250
76	JoAnne	Curtan	Happy Plant	Mixed Media	$   300
5E	August	DiPerna	Best Friends On The Beach	Acrylic	$     65
6E	Debra	Eisenmann	Pisces Dream	Mixed Media	$   150
56	Lynda	Elias	Beyond	Mixed Media	$   150
57	Lynda	Elias	Hidden Path	Mixed Media	$   150
58	Lynda	Elias	Pink Thoughts	Mixed Media	$   150
69	Joyce	Ely Walker	Passing Through	Oil	$   300
70	Joyce	Ely Walker	Gaining Speed	Oil	$   300
7E	Jazzy	Erickson	Floral Drifters II	Acrylic	$   300
94	Lorene	Erickson	Fly Monarch Butterfly	Mixed Media	$   150
95	Lorene	Erickson	Autumn’s Quilt	Acrylic	$   150
62	Bernice	Gaines	Polyphemus	Watercolor	$   275
51	Kathleen	Galvin	…Soft Landing	Watercolor	$     75
52	Kathleen	Galvin	Parrot Chat	Watercolor	$   125
8E	Joan	Garcia	Great Blue Waiting	Acrylic	$   125
9E	Joan	Garcia	Great Blue Watching	Acrylic	$   125
81	Margaret	Gee	Hammerin’ Hank	Mixed Media	NFS
82	Margaret	Gee	Besties	Mixed Media	NFS
83	Margaret	Gee	Keeping Tabs	Watercolor	NFS
10E	Betty	Gerich	Museum Visit	Watercolor	$   300
11E	Betty	Gerich	The Lesson	Watercolor	$   300
71	JoEllen	Gorris	Family	Acrylic	$     55
72	JoEllen	Gorris	The Answer To Everything	Clay	$     65
73	JoEllen	Gorris	Nana	Clay	$     65
87	Gary	Green	The Mystery Of The Green Cat	Acrylic	$   550
77	Nancy	Groff	Green Eyes	Mixed Media	$   500
12E	Mikhail	Gubin	​White Box. White Black And White Stuffing.	Wood & Acrylic	$   850
13E	Mikhail	Gubin	Stuffed Box #2	Wood & Acrylic	$   850
14E	Mikhail	Gubin	Mandala ‘π’	Wood, Paper, Cardboard & Acrylic	$   450
103	John	Guest	Late Cruise On Sarasota Bay	Watercolor	$     50
104	John	Guest	First Catch Of The Day	Watercolor	$     50
15E	Sondra	Hartnett	Eye Of The Tiger	Mixed Media	$   250
107	Jing	Herman	Winter Daydream	Acrylic & Mixed Media	$1,000
48	Kay	Johnson	Diamonds	Basketry	$   295
49	Kay	Johnson	Wonders	Basketry	$   225
50	Kay	Johnson	New Wave	Basketry	$   100
47	Melody	Knight	Fairy Magic	Oil	$   183
16E	Richard	Knupp	Tri-Colored Heron	Acrylic	$   130
17E	Richard	Knupp	Juvenile Gull	Acrylic	$   125
61	Sabina	Leigh	Twilight	Acrylic	$   150
88	Judy	Lyons Schneider	Landscape I	Encaustic	$   650
89	Judy	Lyons Schneider	Asian Embers	Encaustic	$   650
108	Elise	Manieri	Liquid Paper Orange	Mixed Media	$   200
109	Elise	Manieri	Liquid Paper Red	Mixed Media	$   200
110	Elise	Manieri	Liquid Paper Gold	Mixed Media	$   200
63	Cecile	Moran	Wilderness Gifts	Acrylic Resist	$   225
64	Cecile	Moran	Follow Me	Acrylic Resist	$   225
65	Cecile	Moran	Soulmates	Acrylic Resist	$   225
100	Ted	Morgan	Direction	Watercolor	$   230
101	Ted	Morgan	Craving Space	Watercolor	$   230
59	Janice	Newman	She Has Her Head In The Clouds	Acrylic	$   750
60	Janice	Newman	Forever More	Acrylic	$   750
102	Nancy	Opresnick	Pink Blossom	Watercolor	NFS
18E	Vilma	Packard	Winter Wonderland	Pastels	$   495
54	William	Perry	Westminster Bridge	Watercolor	$   200
55	William	Perry	Trafalgar Square	Watercolor	$   200
44	Kris	Peterson	Going Swimmingly	Watercolor	$   100
45	Kris	Peterson	The Hills Are Alive…	Watercolor	$     85
46	Kris	Peterson	Nothing To Crow About	Watercolor	$     85
19E	Sherie	Pierce	Dakota	Acrylic & Oil	$   225
20E	Sherie	Pierce	Nueva Catrina	Acrylic	$   200
21E	Sherie	Pierce	Esperanza	Acrylic	$   200
22E	Debbie	Pigman	Vase	Clay	$     65
23E	Liz	Reyes	Refraction	Acrylic	$   600
24E	Liz	Reyes	Trancen-dance	Acrylic	$   500
25E	Liz	Reyes	She Who Rests	Mixed Media	$   350
26E	Dimas	Reyes	Anxious For Nothing	Acrylic	$   900
27E	Janet	Roelle	Under The Sea	Watercolor	$   245
28E	Janet	Roelle	Line Zen Dot	Acrylic	$   245
29E	Janet	Roelle	Silk With Agate	Watercolor & Acrylic	$   245
30E A/B/C	Allison	Rogers	Controlled Colorful Chaos	Acrylic & Oil Pastels	$   300
92	Kathryn	Sampson	The Old Pier “2016”	Acrylic	NFS
93	Kathryn	Sampson	My Space	Acrylic	NFS
96 A/B	Joan	Schnuerch	Sky Over The Waters Of Manatee County No. 3	Acrylic	$   300
31E	Ronald	Serfass	Eyes on Target	Acrylic	$   175
32E	Ronald	Serfass	Boxed In	Acrylic	$   175
33E	Allison	Small	Erythropsia	Acrylic	$   200
34E	Debbie	Snow	Blue Hydrangea	Acrylic	$   250
90	Ken	Snyder	Three And Two	Watercolor	$   200
91	Ken	Snyder	Peacock Feather With Masking Tape	Watercolor	$   200
35E	Goldie	Tremblay	Magical Forest	Photo & Embellishments	$   150
36E	Reen	Troy	Amalfi Dream 01	Mixed Media	$   180
37E	Reen	Troy	Amalfi Dream 02	Mixed Media	$   180
38E	Reen	Troy	Sun Garden	Mixed Media	$   180
39E	Kate	Wendt	Blue	Oil & Cold Wax	$   250
40E	Kate	Wendt	Grain	Oil & Cold Wax	$   250
41E	Kate	Wendt	Red Sunset	Oil & Cold Wax	$   250
84	Carolyn	Witschonke	Intersections	Encaustic/Mixed Media	$   450
85	Carolyn	Witschonke	Connections	Encaustic/Mixed Media	$   450
86	Carolyn	Witschonke	Circular Thoughts	Encaustic/Mixed Media	$   450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natasha Dikareva
Emergence: In Solitude & Passage
Artist statement

My influences range from ancient Greek mythology to Eastern philosophies of spiritual transformation. I am interested in depicting the human experience using charged symbolism rooted in these mythological and philosophical sources. This symbolic language invites viewers to immerse themselves into a myriad of metaphorical possibilities.. My creative process often involves exploring subconscious imagery and dream-like states, which generate new visual narratives.

As I immerse myself in the stories and struggles that unfold from everyday news from my motherland Ukraine, I feel a resolute determination to create sculptures that serve as symbols of resilience, unity, and enduring spirit. Each piece embodies the collective longing for a peaceful scene, where the clouds of uncertainty part, revealing a serene and boundless blue sky. This reality has given new urgency to my exploration of mythical creatures – they now carry a people’s dreams of renewal and transformation.
Born in moments of solitude, these beings exist in perpetual passage, neither fully of this world nor the next, embodying the liminal state of change that defines our current moment. Clouds flow through my forms as symbols of this passage, ephemeral shapes that suggest the temporary nature of darkness and the promise of clearing skies. Sculpted hands emerge as recurring motifs, serving as visual representations of healing from the wounds of war, both physical and emotional. In solitude, these hands reach across the void, seeking connection and offering comfort. Birds manifest throughout my ceramic landscapes, reinforcing the idea that even in the most isolated circumstances, there remains the possibility of renewal and the arrival of good news. The all-seeing eyes incorporated into hands and birds watch over us, representing wisdom gained through solitary contemplation and the protection found in watchful presence. I deliberately use holes and negative spaces, which function as drawing with absence rather than presence. These openings become passages themselves – allowing light to enter and move through the ceramic forms, creating an interplay between solid and void that mirrors the duality of existence itself. The light that filters through becomes part of the sculpture’s meaning, suggesting illumination penetrating darkness, and breath entering lifeless forms through moments of solitary revelation. I employ stains and crawling glazes, creating ash-like textures that speak to cycles of destruction and revival – the emergence that follows devastation. Blue faces appear throughout my work – serene countenances born from reflection that speak to the longed-for Ukrainian sky and the peaceful future we envision achieving through this difficult passage.

This body of work has become a tribute to the incredible resilience of my fellow Ukrainians and a celebration of the transformative power found in solitude and passage. Through my art, I aim to not only shed light on the ongoing war in Ukraine but also to highlight the resilience and beauty that emerge within the turmoil. The fantastical creatures I birth from clay become vessels for real human longing – each form a prayer made manifest in contemplation, each piece a defiant act of creation emerging from destruction. I believe that one day, our collective vision for a peaceful future will be realized through this passage, and we will bask under the embrace of a radiant blue sky. Until then, my ceramic guardians stand watch in eternal solitude, holding space for healing and bearing witness to the emergence of an unbreakable spirit that refuses to surrender its dreams.

 

 

 

 

Pearl Of Wisdom

 

 

 

 

How To Find Solitude

 

 

 

Skywatcher

 

 

 

 

 

Letting Out

It is both an honor and a deeply felt responsibility to serve as Juror of Selection and Awards for the Herrig Center for the Arts Annual Member Exhibition.  I extend my sincere gratitude to all the artists who submitted their artwork; it takes courage, dedication and passion to share one’s creative vision with others.

In evaluating the submissions, I considered a range of benchmarks – technical proficiency, compositional strength, and the power of individual expression – qualities that transcend subject and stylistic approach.   In a Members Exhibition, voices of all experience levels come together, and while some works may reflect developing technical skills, each artist’s voice was clear, resonant, and valued, the authenticity and sincerity of these expressions enrich the exhibition.

The high caliber of the work, as well as the diversity array of mediums – from the traditional to the boldly unconventional approaches – offers viewers a compelling and varied artistic experience.

Congratulations to all the award winners, whose work demonstrates exceptional ability to communicate a strong narrative and a distinctive personal style.

Finally, my heartfelt appreciation goes to the Herrig Center for the Arts Board of Directors & Staff, Committee Chairs and Volunteers for their unwavering dedication and commitment to this exhibition.

-Judy Saltzman, AWS, NWS, ASMA, FWS, WIW

First Place

Paintbrushes, Debbie Snow, Acrylic

In “Paint Brushes,” the artist’s decision to focus on this seemingly ordinary subject offers a simple yet captivating composition with a sense of quiet significance. The brushes – ranging in size and shape – serve as a metaphor for creative and artistic expression. The use of light and reflection, along with color palette reflects the mood of the painting. The painting seems to invite the viewer to consider the tools as a symbol of potential and possibility.

Second Place

Florida Springs Sunset, Donna Morrison, Watercolor

This watercolor painting beautifully encapsulates the serene essence of Old Florida, offering a tranquil landscape that invites peaceful escape. The artist’s mastery of watercolor creates a soft, atmospheric quality, with subtle colors that evoke calm and stillness – allowing the viewer to feel the warmth of the sun. More than just a visual scene, “Florida Springs Sunset” fosters a deep connection to the natural world.

Third Place

Arm To Table, Michael Knapp, Acrylic

This exquisite painting of fresh vegetables is masterfully rendered, capturing their vibrant, organic beauty. A robotic arm reaches for them, symbolizing the contrast between nature and technology. The contrast adds a thought-provoking layer between the natural world and a future shaped by advancing innovation.

Equal Merit

Joy, Linda Zentz, Acrylic

This spectacular and tender oil painting captures the pure delight of a young girl playing in the surf. Her laughter is almost audible as she discovers shells, embodying the innocence and wonder of childhood. The artist skillfully conveys movement through the well-defined flow of the waves. The heartfelt narrative, “Joy” radiates a playfulness and sense of freedom.

Best in 3D

Old Friends, Sue Kerr, Clay With Cold Finish

This clay sculpture beautifully captures the essence of two elderly men who have shared a lifetime of companionship and are now caught in a moment of heartfelt laughter. The tender exchange between them rendered with remarkable sensitivity, and their expressive faces convey both warmth and the weight of shared history. The artist’s choice of glazes – slightly rough, textured surface echoing the weathered character of the men themselves. This sculpture feels intimate, genuine and profoundly human.

Honorable Mention

Wellspring, Liz Reyes, Acrylic

In “Wellspring,” the long, narrow format of this piece is intriguing, adding a sense of uniqueness and a touch of pop art. The two women’s heads with flowing neon-colored paint create a bold and striking visual. The vivid, almost electrifying hues bring a modern feel, while the fluidity of the paint adds dynamic energy.

Honorable Mention

Lady In A Blue Coat, Ken Snyder, Watercolor

In “Lady in a Blue Coat,” the artist masterfully guides the viewer through the streets in this well-developed watercolor painting. A vivid sense of excitement emerges as you are drawn into the bustling urban scene. The artist’s choice of palette and skillful use of layered glazing enhance the atmosphere, adding depth and cohesiveness to the composition.

Honorable Mention

Pattern Play, Kate Wendt, Monoprint Collage

In “Pattern Play,”, the artist has created an expressive abstract painting using collage materials, resulting in a visually arresting composition. The striking palette of black, white, gray and red immediately commands attention, while the square format provides a balanced framework for the interplay of linear lines and strong shapes. Through these elements, the artist has created a captivating non-representational work that engages the viewer with visual energy.

Honorable Mention

Another Stop To Enjoy The View, Stephen Brewer, Acrylic

In “Another Step to Enjoy the View,” the artist has created a compelling waterscape, capturing waves as they crash against the rocks with dynamic energy. The interplay of warm and cool colors heightens the drama, conveying both the power and beauty of the scene. The painting evokes a multisensory experience – you can almost hear the surf and feel the crisp ocean air – immersing the viewer fully in this coastal moment.

Honorable Mention

Danza de Aqua y Sal, Yolanda Seitz-Burman, Clay

In “Danza de Agua Sal,” this clay sculpture radiates elegance and grace. The dancer’s posture conveys a fluidity that echoes the rhythm of the dance itself, capturing a moment of movement suspended in time. The artist demonstrates exceptional mastery of texture, shaping the clay with a sensitivity that brings the human figure to life.