Exhibitions

Evolution means the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form. Artists are asked to share their own interpretation of the concept of evolution. From one’s own artistic journey, to the very environment we inhabit, or to where we go from here. Bring us your best work and help us celebrate!

Juror Statement:

Judge’s opinions: I say these are my opinions because that is all that they are. I might have a little more art education than some people and I’ve created art throughout my long life and been lucky enough to win some awards (and now the BIG HOWEVER) however, that does not make my opinion any better than anyone else’s – it’s still just my opinion and everyone has the right to disagree with me. In all of the art shows that I’ve attended I have never agreed with all of the decisions that the judges have made. So, take solace if you didn’t win an award because every artist has gone through that experience and have fun making your own decisions on who should have won what award and who shouldn’t be in the show in the first place.

The quality and diversity of the show is outstanding. I was pleased to see fabric art well represented and the other two- and three-dimensional pieces are excellent. Be proud of your work and continue to be better than you were yesterday. The person you want to compete with is yourself – good luck. This is a great show put on by the best people at the best art center in Florida. And it’s only going to get BETTER.

Thank you, Gary Morgan

First Place, Daphne Rising, Bellamy Sorba, 1111 Plastic Grocery Bags

If you just read what was written about the second-place award winner, you must appreciate the first-place piece of exceptional work that was created by Bellamy. Think about the element of nature that she created and what she created it from. That alone is a powerful statement that should not be overlooked. A tree created from one of the most destructive elements to nature that man has ever created – plastic in the form of discarded grocery bags that pollute land, water and animals of all sorts including the human animal. Then to take that element and weave it into a fabric for creating an iconic symbol of nature – a tree, is inspired. Then the artist made it attractive with the finishing touches at the apex of the tree. That is excellent. Please keep up this work.
It is so good I have to encourage the artist to find more ways of creating three-dimensional work – perhaps without a supporting element inside of the piece. Possibly create the human form. On this piece the artist might consider using a finial of a hand made bird to create an apex incorporating nature. Please continue to be inspired and work.

Second Place, Hint of Spring, Bill Perry, Watercolor

You will have to excuse me concerning this man’s work. If a person appreciates watercolor talent they have to appreciate Bill’s body of work. I don’t have the privilege of knowing Bill except by his work. But I know that he only creates work that excels. He has two paintings in this show that serve as examples of his broad talents. One is a soft rendition of animals where many artists would have used hard edges. This snow scene is completely the opposite. Almost anyone would use softness to create the cold feeling of snow, but this artist used hard edges and makes it work exceptionally. I could offer all kinds of rules that Bill broke here but rules are made for critics. The beautiful exceptions to those rules are created by artists like Bill Perry.

Third Place, Sun Kissed, Reen Troy, Mixed Media

The explosion of color in the top half of this work plays off the darker element in the bottom half like opening your eyes in the bright sun after being in a dark room for hours. It can be interpreted as a strictly abstract design and be beautiful or imagined as a natural element of light overwhelming darkness in nature. The viewer is allowed to answer their own questions about the painting, and it will mean different things to different viewers. The white was used sparingly but beautifully to draw the viewer’s eye in and keep it in the painting. This is an excellent and yet relatively simple composition. Wonderful brush work. Well done.

Equal Merit, Nashiji Vase, Joe Amaral, Urishi Lacquer, Wood, and Galuchat

This piece immediately fascinates with its beautiful finish and questions that about its construction and weight. Its surface is thought provoking. It is a piece that would be fantastic in any collection. Seeing it in the sun or with lights reflecting from it would be enjoyable for any viewer. The artist might consider having the material on the inside rise above the sphere created by the “bowl” shape just to give it another dimensional element.

Best in 3D, Spiritual Growth: The Great Awakening, Dale Hellums, Mixed Media Sculpture

This is an ornate combination that can keep the viewer interested. It has many design elements that fit and yet confront each other as the title suggests. It shows an appreciation for multiple talents and craftsmanship. It might be better to not accompany the work with a description of the piece and its meaning. Let the viewer write their own story – it might be totally different and better for them.

Honorable Mention, Tin Woodsman, Michael Knapp, Acrylic This painting pushes the future into your face with a crooked smile. It is challenging to ignore and confronts the viewer head-on. It’s bold use of color and geometric shapes yells at the viewer and won’t let go. Everything about the painting is consistent in style, color, line and attitude. It’s style will likely have a small but dedicated following due to its boldness – that’s good for this work.

Honorable Mention, Thoughts, Debi Webb, Fabric

The front of this fabric art is intriguing with the face and the geometric shapes. It is the kind of art that you could study and never find all of the answers. Additionally, the artist’s attention to detail is exceptional. The back of the piece is as precise and beautiful as the front. It is truly a piece of art created by an artist that is taking a traditional craft into the world of art.

Honorable Mention, Symphony, Holly Snyder-Samson, Charcoal

Excellent use of subtle shading. I liked the nod to today’s life with the inclusion of earphones. There isn’t an overuse of blending. The marks that the charcoal made were left to stand on their own rather than blended into smears on the paper. I’d like to see a little more life in the eyes. They are somewhat vacant.

Honorable Mention, Wedding Night, Cheryl Moody, Oil

This was executed in a very painterly manner where the strokes are the artist’s signature made in her distinctive style. The strokes are strong and made with self-assurance rather than worried into a weak likeness of a photograph. The artist might consider some subtlety in the distant landscape to give the viewer the feeling of distance and possibly use complementary colors to create darker shades where needed.

It is both an honor and a heartfelt responsibility to serve as Awards Juror for this exhibition. I extend my sincere gratitude to all the artists who submitted their artwork. It takes courage and passion to share your creative vision with others.

In determining the award recipients, I carefully evaluated each piece against benchmarks of technical proficiency, compositional design, and the power of individual expression – qualities that transcend subject or style.

The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Exhibition is a celebration of artistic diversity, showcasing a remarkable array of styles, ability and voices. From realistic to abstract and everything in between, the range of artistic expression is both inspiring and expansive.

Congratulations to all the award winners for their ability to communicate compelling narratives and distinctive personal styles. You made me want to look further into your process of creation.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks to the FSWS Board, Committee Chairs, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Your commitment makes this celebration of art possible.

-Judy Salzman, Juror

Reid Hodges Gallery

Curated Exhibition

Denise Cormier Mahoney is a mid-career painter and printmaker whose illustrative and surfaced designed compositions are infused with memories and stories told from the point of view of a child free to explore.

Artist Statement:

As a mid-career painter and printmaker, I have been creating art fulltime since the year 2000. I teach printmaking workshops interspersed with producing my own work.

My narrative mixed media paintings are an intuitive blend of acrylic paint, gold leaf, handmade paper and fabric that give life to my contemporary concepts. Each painting starts with an idea that takes many compositional and decorative turns before I call it complete. The result is an intricate tapestry of visual elements that invites my viewers to explore the many layers of textural detail and form.

In my latest body of work, I explore childhood explorations as a way of reminding us of the essential interdependence between humanity and nature. As each of us does our best to be responsible with our environment, balance and harmony are created.

Incorporating symbolism steeped in healing traditions, each piece carries profound meaning. The tree embodies stability & growth, the crow transformation & positive change, the seagull opportunity & harmony, and the owl wisdom & intuition.

In all my work I seek to evoke reflection on our experiences in nature and contemplation of our individual roles in the safekeeping of our natural resources.

Kellogg Gallery

Women Contemporary Artists (WCA) is an established organization of women in the visual arts based in Florida’s Sarasota and Manatee counties. Their mission is to provide visibility, support and inspiration to women artists. Founded in 1984, a group of twenty women artists in the region developed a plan to form a group to encourage other women artists in their artistic journeys. This talented group of women artists has continually grown each year and now has more than 150 regional members.

The work submitted for this exhibition was quite pleasing with a broad spectrum of approached in mediums and concepts. Some pieces were created using great facility, and it was quite evident that years of practice had gone into mastering the techniques, while others were more explorative and vibrated with the energy of the artistic adventure. What I found most delightful about this show is the creativity and varied approaches to artmaking. I chose to consider color expression, texture both 3D and 3D, compositional organization, value contrast, creativity and originality, narrative, and technical merit, as my criteria.

I was impressed and inspired by all of the work presented and I truly appreciate the opportunity to act as juror for this exhibition. Thank you.

Juror, Alexander J. Snyder

First Place: Mid Century Modern, Yvonne Posa

The choice of first place proved as difficult as the others, but there was one piece that continued drawing me back: a watercolor painting called “Mid Century Modern”. There are several qualities in this painting that I found compelling. The complimentary color palette of blue and orange is attractive, and activates the composition with the focal point of the blue bedspread in the lower left balanced with the pops of blue in the picture frames on the back wall. The interplay of light and shadow in the room is well done, particularly conveying the texture and folds on the pillows, and the bright cast light on the floor which enlivens the space and acts as a directional line pointing us back up into the composition. Beyond the artistic and technical skills used in this painting, the thing that kept bringing me back to this pieces was the story it is inviting us to consider. Yes it is a warm and inviting space, but who’s room is it? Is this the guest bedroom in someone’s home, ready for a long awaited friend’s visit? Did it belong to someone who is no longer with us? The space inside is simple, cozy and welcoming, while the large window beckons us to venture outside. It was this sense of intrigue compiled with the skill of the painter that caused me to choose this painting to receive first place.

Second Place: Timeless, Peg Green

There were a number of great fabric and textile pieces included in this collection, but the bold red portrait titled “Timeless” was selected for second place. This artwork garnered my attention because of the complexity of the patterns, rhythm, color and texture, and the flowing sculptural aspects of this piece.

Third Place: Alternate Pathways, Janice Newman

Third place was awarded to “Alternate Pathways”. This painting got my attention because of the color use and the value structure of the piece. I think that both of these qualities work in concert with each other to draw the viewer’s eye through the landscape.