Exhibitions

2021-2022
Welcome to Our 84th Season!

ArtCenter Manatee is Manatee County's premier visual arts center featuring the artwork of many talented local, state and national artists. Exhibitions change monthly in the three galleries and the public is always welcome to the opening receptions, once COVID concerns are resolved, to preview the artwork and meet the artists. Exhibits are free and open to the public excepting one national show - there is a nominal charge to cover shipping and insurance. Our hours are MFS 9-5, TWTh 9-6. Closed Sunday.

Art Opening Receptions
During COVID, our receptions are virtual with only the winning artists in attendance. We'll let you know when we can go live again! We miss you!

Exhibition Schedule and Requirements

Joyful Expressions Exhibit

An Open, All Media, Juried Exhibition

Exhibit: Nov 21 – Dec 29
Kellogg and Reid Hodges Galleries

Opening Reception: Thursday, Nov 30, 5:00-7:00
Along with Artful Holidays and the Holiday Pottery Sale

AWARD	ARTIST	TITLE	MEDIA

1ST PLACE	Susan Wiley	Xs & Os	Acrylic
2ND PLACE	Linda Duhn	In Full Bloom	Oil
3RD PLACE	Cosette Kosiba	Neighborhood Palms	Pastel
Best in 3D	Ann Modrcin	Queenie	Paper Mache
MERIT	Susan Art	Have It Your Way	Mixed Media

HONORABLE MENTION	Ellen Kirwan	Confluence	Acrylic & Collage
HONORABLE MENTION	Joyce Ely Walker	Variations 4 & 5	Oil
HONORABLE MENTION	Paul Kerkhoven	Mariah	SS, Mokume Gane & Christmas Tree Agate
HONORABLE MENTION	Sue Kerr	They Waited All Year For A Joy Ride	Raku

Juror’s Statement Thank you, ArtCenter Manatee, for allowing me the opportunity to visit the Center, which I found to be a delightful and energetic work atmosphere. Evidenced by the number of pieces entered into the exhibition you certainly have a significant body of talented and dedicated artists. As I looked at the work, I could tell there are artist’s that find pure joy in the materials they work in! When walking through the work, I had a laugh, remembered with affection places I’ve been and people I’ve known, skies I’ve seen and on and on … I am always humbled by the role of the juror. And as many have said before, but I can honestly repeat, you should all be proud of your work!

First Place Susan Wiley’s Xs and Os painting of buttery yellow and vibrant orange is a well-executed piece of fun! The colors are deliberate and wise and the subject matter touches most of our sunshine memories described in her layers of delightful paint.

Second Place Linda Duhn’s In Full Bloom is a tapestry of color describing the flowers with rich hues bathed in light. The background residence adds to the depth and dimension in a pleasing yet formal composition.

Third Place Cosette Kosiba’s Neighborhood Palms is simply beautiful in such a grand old Florida way. Golden sunlight and an enchanting play of light and dark make this piece mesmerizing.

Juror: Vicky Randall
Vicky, originally from Nashville, Tennessee and now a South Florida sculptor, has been creating work in fabricated metals and cast bronze for over 40 years. She is well known for her monumental sculptures in stainless steel, and her work is represented in public art installations and over fifty private collections in the US and Germany. Her sculptures have been described as “majestic, lyrical and assertive of the space they occupy.” Reflecting on her artistic process, she says.

“Striving for simplicity, I demand harmony between the landscape and the cityscape with my forms. I use abstractions of steel and light to exemplify my impression of time.”

Pick up: Dec 30, 9:00-Noon

2024-2025 Exhibition Season

September 5 – 27, 2024 – 1 Exhibition
Create 2024
All Galleries
ArtCenter Manatee’s annual season opening exhibition, features higher award monies for winners.
Online Submission Dates: August 6 – August 23, 4 pm
Online Notifications: August 26, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: 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)

October 1-25, 2024 – 2 Exhibitions
Open Book
All Media Open Juried Show
Searle & Reid Hodges Galleries
The lines between books and art are definitely blurry; books inspire artists of all kinds whether it is a remarkable quote that becomes part of a painting, an inspiring passage that touches the spirit and guides the artist while they create, or even a sculpture made of books. Our language even coined phrases like “read me like an open book.” Artists are asked to share their interpretations of an “open book”.
Online Submission Dates: September 3 – September 20, 4 pm
Online Notifications: September 24, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: September 28, 9-12 pm
Opening Reception: ~~October 10, 5 – 7 pm~~ Closing Reception: October 25, 4:30-6:30 pm
Pick Up: October 26, 9 – 12 pm

Sarasota Pen Women
Kellogg Gallery
Founded in 1897 when women journalists were not permitted to join male-only professional organizations. The League became an organization for writers, artists and composers, giving them an avenue for recognition of their talents. With now over 1600 members in 81 branches, Sarasota Pen Women is a branch of the National League of American Pen Women. We are artists, authors, and composers. The artists are a diverse group: painters in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, sculptors in various media, glass artist, etc. We also have artists who illustrate books authored by some of our writers. Members work in landscape, still life, figurative and collage.

October 29 – November 22, 2024 – 2 Exhibitions
The Artist’s Journey
All Media Open Juried Show
Searle & Reid Hodges Galleries
We are all on a journey in this life; some are just beginning, while others are entering the twilight of their quest. Along the way, we encounter bumps, triumphs and hopefully, joy and transformation. Artists are asked to share their journey, which can include but is not limited to: travel, vacation, personal journey, healing journey, exploration, progress, roaming, or voyage.
Online Submission Dates: October 1 – October 18, 4 pm
Online Notifications: October 22, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: October 26, 9-12 pm
Opening Reception: October 31, 5 – 7 pm
Pick Up: November 23, 9 – 12 pm

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay, Honor Of Heroes
Kellogg Gallery
Curated Show
The Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay provides alternative therapies through the arts for our military, veterans, first responders, and their families with a focus on mental health, healing, and suicide prevention. We strive to create memories and laughter, sustainable relationships, and healing through the center where we can unify our communities through arts.

Opening Reception: October 31, 5 – 7 pm

November 26 – December 27, 2024 – 2 Exhibitions
ArtCenter Manatee Member Exhibition
Kellogg & Reid Hodges Galleries
An all media open juried exhibit featuring the work of our members. Our members are the strength of ArtCenter Manatee, without which we would not exist. With that strength, comes a powerhouse of talent as each year the caliber of work continues to surpass our expectations.
Online Submission Dates: October 29 – November 15, 4 pm
Online Notifications: November 19, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: November 23, 9-12 pm
Opening Reception: December 5, 5 – 7 pm
Pick Up: December 28, 9 – 12 pm

ArtCenter Manatee Holiday Extravaganza
Searle Gallery
ArtCenter Manatee is proud to present the 6th Annual Holiday Extravaganza, featuring holiday trees decked to their fullest with thousands of handmade ornaments, handmade holiday décor, gifts and more.

January 2 – February 28, 2025 – 3 Exhibitions

Women Contemporary Artists
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.

Opening Reception: January 3, 4 – 6 pm

American Watercolor Society 157th Traveling Exhibition
Searle Gallery
The American Watercolor Society began as a group of eleven painters who gathered in New York City in 1866 and began to hold exhibitions of their work. Their annual exhibitions have continued from that day. The annual juried exhibition of the AWS is open to all artists worldwide. The traveling exhibition features 40 paintings from the original 160+ exhibitors each year and travels to three to six locations each year. Admission: $5.
Opening Reception: January 3, 4 –6 pm

Roots & Reflections Through Memory & Nature
Denise Cormier Mahoney
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.

Opening Reception: January 3, 4 – 6 pm

March 17 – April 4, 2025 – 1 Exhibition
Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Annual Aqueous Exhibition
All Galleries
The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society was founded in 1983 with 17 Charter members and 24 Associate members. The original purpose to foster the advancement of and promote excellence in the art of watermedia painting remains their focus today. As of August 2023, 90 of their 170 members attained Signature status and 27 are Master Signature members. The organization’s inaugural exhibition was held at ACM and has continued to exhibit annually.

Closing Reception: April 4, 4 – 6 pm

April 15 – May 1, 2025 – 1 Exhibition

Evolution

An all media open juried show

All Galleries

For nearly 88 years, ArtCenter Manatee has been at the center of a thriving art scene in Bradenton. Along with the offering of a few classes, one of our first missions was to offer local artists opportunities to exhibit their artwork. Fast forward to 2025, we have grown exponentially and exhibited thousands of artists’ works and now welcome the first opportunity for our talented local artists to exhibit in the newly completed facility. What began as The Art League of Manatee County, eventually became ArtCenter Manatee and is now, the Herrig Center For The Arts.

In that light, we are proud to introduce: “Evolution,” the first all media open juried exhibition in our new space. 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!

Online Submission Dates: Feb 1 – March 28, 4 pm
Online Notifications: April 2, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: April 12, 9-12 pm
Opening Reception: April 17, 4 – 6 pm
Pick Up: Thursday, May 1, 9 – 12 pm

May 3 – May 23, 2025 – 1 Exhibition
Manatee County School District Annual K-12 Exhibition
All Galleries
ArtCenter Manatee once again joins with the School District of Manatee County to showcase the work of K-12 visual arts students. In Manatee County, we’re fortunate to have a Board of Education that has made a continued commitment to teaching the visual arts in its elementary, middle and high schools. By partnering with ArtCenter Manatee, that commitment is furthered by giving these young artists a ‘voice’ – three museum-quality galleries – where their work can be professionally displayed and where the artists can receive positive recognition by a wider audience.
Opening Reception: May 8, 5 – 7 pm

May 28 – June 27, 2025 – 1 Exhibition
Oil Painters of America 2025 National Exhibition & Annual Convention
All Galleries
Oil Painters of America (OPA) is a non-for-profit organization representing more than 3,500 artists throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1991, OPA is dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in representational art. Its primary focus is to draw attention to the lasting value of fine drawing, color, composition and the appreciation of light. The mission of OPA is to advance the cause of traditional, representational fine art by providing a forum in which artists can display their art in regional and national competitions. In addition, the organization is committed to providing educational opportunities to its members through its newsletter, critique program, scholarships, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations by today’s masters. The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
Opening Reception: Friday May 30, 5:30 – 7:30

July 1 – August 12, 2025 – 1 Exhibition
Dog (& Cat) Dayz Of Summer Open Juried Show
All Galleries
This time of year had a special significance in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and the term originates from their studies of astrology. Nowadays, the term has taken on new meanings as pet parents associate it with lazy days when dogs are so hot they just want to lay in the shade and sip an ice-cold Puppuccino. Artists are invited to share their favorite fur-baby creations of dogs and cats.
Online Submission Dates: April 29 – June 20, 4 pm
Online Notifications: June 24, by 4 pm
In Person Receiving/Drop off: June 28, 9-12 pm
Opening Reception: July 10, 5 – 7 pm
Pick Up: Wednesday, August 13, 9 – 12 pm

2024-25 Exhibition Schedule & Requirements

Download PDF: 2024-25 Exhibition Schedule & Requirements

Originality:

Entries must be the original design of the artist completed in the last 3 years. (Sculptures completed in the last 5 years.) Class projects, of the artist’s own design, are acceptable.
Copies of someone else’s design are not acceptable. Source material must be original and not derived from any published or copyrighted images.
Only original work will be accepted; no reproductions (prints, giclees) except digital productions.
Work may be shown only once in an ACM open or member show.
Work may not be removed from the Artists’ Market to be shown in an exhibit.
Student Show – Only work done in a class or workshop at ArtCenter Manatee within the last year will be accepted to this show. One piece per instructor per medium.
Themes are suggestions only.

Size:

Maximum size for paintings is 7’ x 7’.
Any entry weighing over 50 lbs will be accepted at the discretion of the receiving committee and the artist must be available to assist with placement of the piece the day the show is hung.

Framing:

You may use glass in framed pieces under 22 x 28
We require Plexiglas on all framed work over 22 x 28
Unframed canvas need to be museum wrapped with painted edges.
All photographs are to be framed under glass or Plexiglas or printed on museum wrapped canvas.
All framed pieces should be wired, with wire ends wrapped with tape.
Wire should be securely attached to the back of the frame with screw eyes, one third down from the top of the frame.
Saw tooth hangers, fishing line or chains will not be accepted.
Name, address and phone number must be written on the back of all art.
Yellow copy of entry form should be taped to the wire on the back-right side of the artwork.
Mats, glass and Plexiglas need to be clean and free of scratches.
Any entry not meeting these requirements will not be accepted.

Fees:

The entry fees are non-refundable.

Fee Schedule:

One Piece: $20 members, $30 non-members.
Two Pieces: $30 members, $50 non-members.
Three Pieces: $35 members, $65 non-members
Diptych: $25 ArtCenter Manatee members, $40 non-members
Triptych: $35 ArtCenter Manatee members, $60 non-members
Diptych and Triptych must be in matching frames and similar orientation.

Withdrawal:

No work accepted for an exhibition may be substituted or withdrawn during the exhibit.

Sales:

Artwork sold will remain in the galleries until the published pick up date. The artist will receive 65% of the sale price.

Pick Up Deadline:

All work must be picked up on the designated pick up date.
Any artist who leaves work at the ArtCenter longer than 7 days after the pick up date will be charged $5 per day per piece.

Statement of Responsibility:

The ArtCenter will do everything possible to protect the work of the artists. The artist needs to understand that the ArtCenter cannot be responsible for loss or damage.
All work will be hung at the discretion of the Exhibition Committee. ArtCenter Manatee reserves the right of final presentation.
The judge will be responsible for choosing art for the exhibit and the award winners. Artists will be notified by phone or email if their work is not accepted.

Open and Member Shows:

Maximum of three entries per person.

Awards:

There must be a minimum of five (5) pieces in any award category to receive a cash award.

Create 2023

An Open, All Media, Juried Exhibition

Exhibit: Sep 6 – Oct 6
All Galleries

Closing Reception Thursday, Sep 28, 5:00-7:00

The first show of the 2023-2024 season is Create, an open, all media, juried exhibit with high cash awards. The all media work will be displayed in all Galleries. Pick Up: October 7, 9 – 12 pm

Juror Statement: Katie Cundiff

It is always an honor and privilege to serve as juror of awards. I found this show of ArtCenter Manatee’s to be just as much a challenge as any nationally juried show. The diversity in work, mediums, techniques and styles did nothing to make my job easier! There is so much talent here!

The main goal of the artist is to express their ideas, feelings, impressions, or beliefs through the language of art, being the drawing, modeling, coloring, etc., which are parts of speech enabling an artist to express themselves.

When judging art, skillful elements and principles pertaining to the language of art and painting must be observed and considered. Color and Harmony, Tone and Gradation, Light and Shadow, Perspective and Atmosphere, Values, Textures and Qualities, Drawing and Form, and Composition.

All these elements and principles must be considered when judging a work of art. However; for a work of art to stand apart from and above these technical elements, it should also express an idea, a feeling, or an emotion.

The technical skills of an artist are important and necessary, but for a work of art to be a “winner”, it must carry with it a thought, feeling, or emotion that is remembered more than the technical skills of the painter. It must be a painting that will excite and enliven the senses of the viewer, and will be remembered for the uniqueness of its creation.

So, it is with that final thought in mind that I gave awards to those artists whose works were not only superbly executed, but those I will carry in my emotional memory.

Thank you, ArtCenter Manatee, for entrusting me in the arduous task of placing the awards in this exhibition, and to all the incredible artists whose expert work I had the honor to view, and enjoy.

Respectfully “Staying in the Paint,” Katie Dobson Cundiff, OPA • AIS • AWA

First Place – J. Taylor – “Peggy’s Cove #4”
This artist had three paintings that were all beautifully executed in colored pencil, adding to the already difficult task of selecting an overall “winner”. The drawing, composition, and color harmony reflected in this award-winning painting are all spot on. There is a stillness, or quietness about this artists’ work that is intriguing, pulling in the viewer in for a closer look at the subtle textures between the elements of wood, rock, and water and the underlying abstract quality of design.

Second Place – P. Robertson – “Florida Before the Invasion”
I am in awe of the simplicity yet complexity of this work. Every element is given a unique texture and design, with intentional mark-making. The control of the watercolor medium is evident. Strong vertical elements and symmetry of design are broken up with diagonal pathways that lead the viewer beyond the edge of the shoreline to the far horizon.

Third Place – M. Dunn – “There’s a Lesson in This”
The composition, colors, and drawing are expertly painted in oils. Most of the children are engaged with the adults on how to brush their teeth, and then a small child near the center of the group glances over toward an onlooker (of the scene). Three older children also look directly at the viewer, but a child at the far right seems to stare with an expression of mystery and wonder. This not only tells a story, but there is a lesson here!

Merit Award – P. Paris – “Wanna Be Gazers”
This beautifully painted landscape in oils captures the atmosphere of the day and statuesque figure of a bare tree in an otherwise lush and lively scene dotted with architecture and wildlife, expertly guiding the viewer through the painting.

Best of 3D – R. Meredith – “Ebb & Flow”
The intricate details, textures, and scalloping on the edges on this large ceramic bowl are enhanced and the theme echoed with the use of color and variance in the glazing. As the title suggests, one might catch the rhythmical pattern of water as the tide rises and falls.

Honorable Mention – D Devera – “The Gathering”
The abstract and graphic nature of this acrylic painting will grab your attention from across the room. The use of light and color, along with rhythmic movement in the reflections on the water create a lively portrait of these four pelicans, probably waiting a handout from a fisherman’s catch.

Honorable Mention – J. Keeling “Sunlight Through the Sideuyard”
A simple subject is brought to life in this painting. It is only a moment, a glimpse of an ordinary scene, and one that might be easily passed by. This oil painting tells us a story and gives us a glimpse into a more private passage of a garden.

Honorable Mention – S. Kutna – “The Dancers”
The images created in this piece of fused glass are of three dancers. There is a moment captured here of figures that are but caricatures resembling the work of Degas, Lautrec, or Seurat, evoking a mysterious and luminous quality brought out further with the fused glass medium.

Exhibit sponsors

We Are All One

Heartbeat of Humanity by Sheri Wright

We Are All One
June 27-Aug 4

All Galleries

Opening Reception: Thursday, June 29, 5-7 pm

Pick up: Aug 10, 9-12 pm

Community. We are all part of one, whether that means a community of artists, friends, families, neighborhoods, or nations; the most common factor is that we are all human, we are all one. We all have wants and needs and in today’s divisive culture now more so than ever we need to come back to embracing the sense of community, of seeing each other as human beings. Artists are asked to share their vision for what community means to them, putting all labels aside and showcase the truth that we are all one.

Juror: Joanna Coke

Statement: The artwork chosen for awards showed strong unity of the elements, coming together, connecting and intertwining, such as the honeycomb shaped images and the abstract with large brush strokes twisting like a DNA form. Our humanity of sharing, embracing and helping others are the feelings that were selected to represent the theme of this exhibition.

1st Place	Sheri Wright	Heartbeat Of Humanity	Collage
2nd Place	Gary LaParl	Sag Harbor	Mixed Media
3rd Place	Maria Ortiz-Haynes	Salsa	Stained Glass Mosaic
Best in 3D	Gregg Wilkins	Collette Cossette Purveyor Of Sea Bottom Trinkets Extraordinaire	Mixed Media
Best in Jewelry	Judy Beaham	Ribbon #2	Steel, Aluminum & Pearl
Merit	Bea Dreier	Walk As One	Acrylic
Honorable Mention	Leslie Trettau	Homeless – Before And After The Generosity Of Strangers – Melvin & Rusty	Photography
Honorable Mention	Kris Peterson	Shadow Family	Mixed Media
Honorable Mention	Martin Dunn	A Conversation In Cordoba	Oil
Honorable Mention	Carla Rudolph	White Robes	Acrylic

Click Here for Exhibition Schedule & Requirements

Online entry is no longer available. In-person entry is May 20, 9:00-Noon at ArtCenter Manatee.

Kaleidoscope of Color

A New Frequency by Corin Finnie, 1st Place

Kaleidoscope of Color
May 23-June 23
All Galleries

Opening Reception: Thursday May 25, 5:00-7:00

Kaleidoscope of Color is an open, all media, juried exhibit.

There are a multitude of descriptors for the word kaleidoscope: motley, psychedelic, multicolor, particolored, polychromatic, prismatic, rainbow, varicolored, variegated. Artists were encouraged to play up the color in works for this all media open juried show.

Juror: Cecile Moran

Juror Statement:
What a joy to view the visual impact of the beautiful work in this exhibit! It is a powerful show of fine art. I am honored to be asked to judge this extraordinary work.

The work selected for the exhibit displays a knowledge of color and design, whether presented representationally or in abstract form. When selecting the pieces for the exhibit, my choices were based on: consideration of the color theme, completeness of thought, composition, skill and understanding of the materials used, and a uniqueness that speaks to the creative thinking of the artist. Congratulations to all of the participants for the beautiful work submitted and my wish is that you continue creating.

Pick-up: Jun 24, 9:00-Noon

WCA Members Spring Exhibition

April 25 – May 19
Kellogg Gallery
Opening Reception April 27, 5:00-7:00

Women Contemporary Artists is a regional organization of more than 100 creative women actively engaged in the visual fine arts. WCA’s mission is to provide visibility, support and inspiration to women artists. Founded in 1984, they are based in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Juror: Danny Olda, critic and curator

Award	First	Last	Title	Medium
1st	Janice	Newman	Morning Mist	Acrylic
2nd	Judy	Kramer	Kaleidoscope Façade	Photography
3rd	Susan	Turconi	The Couple	Akua Ink
Merit	Alice	Harrison	Garden Of The Sea	Acrylic
Merit	Judy	Lyons Scnheider	The Mighty Oak	Callograph & Collage
Merit	Betty	Gerich	I’ve Got Your Back	Watercolor
Merit	Marsha	Ouimette	She, Her, They, Them	Clay
Merit	Jana	Millstone	Weave A Cloth Of Now	Mixed Media

Juror’s Statement
It was a privilege and pleasure working with this exhibition. I’m grateful that I was unrushed and allowed to spend as much time with each piece as it demanded – the experience was a delight. However, the sheer density of high-quality artwork submitted for this exhibition made judging italso very challenging. While a cursory glance makes clear that each artist in the exhibition takes their work very seriously, a deliberate pause with each piece reveals more.

For example, Morning Mist by Janice Newman depicts a colorful forest mist snaking through a clump of bare trees. The scene is set quietly but with a bold color palette. With efficient brushwork Newman adds visual depth to the scene that transmutes into a conceptual depth, a reservoir of the unknown just ahead. The scene vacillates between feeling serene and unsettling. I found the scene and painting moving, as if I had happened serendipitously upon the landscape on a morning run.

Judy Kramer’s photograph Kaleidoscopic Facade is another such example. The photograph rewards a slow look with an abundance of textures that seem to unfurl the longer your eyes travel the piece. These textures are paired with a near perfect compositional structure that is not the product of a painter’s careful hand and intent, but somehow searched out and found existing wild in the real world. The piece is split in half and further into thirds, the patterns of tiles setting a steady visual rhythm that sends each viewer’s gaze up, across, and diagonally back down to begin again.

Finally, The Couple by Susan Turconi depicts two minimally detailed bodies beside each other, seperated by a cloudy bruise-colored negative space. The vertiginous height of the shoulders that figurative painting stands on is exceeded only by the claustrophobic weight of its own history. That Turconi’s treatment of these two bodies feels so timeless – as classical as it is contemporary – underscores how deft her skill is. The understated size and rendering of the figures requires a haiku-like efficiency of expression that Turconi delivers on.

These, of course, are only three pieces in this exhibition. I suppose, then, what I hope to
communicate is this: take your time with this exhibition. Give each work of art a thoughtful look and the exhibition will certainly return the favor.

Pick up is May 20 9:00-Noon

Animals & More! Exhibit

Animals & More Exhibit
An open, all media, juried exhibit
April 25-May 19
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 27, 5:00-7:00pm

Online entry by April 14, 4:00pm
In-person entry April 22, 9:00-Noon

Pick up May 20, 9:00-Noon

And join us for free family fun on April 29 from 10-3 for Art & Animals & You!

awards

Thank you to ArtCenter Manatee for inviting me to juror “Animals & More”. ArtCenter Manatee never fails to draw artists with a strong mastery of skills and imagination. When choosing awards I chose first those that addressed the theme, my next criteria were skill and mastery of the media chosen as well as an imaginative view of presenting the theme. It was a very challenging process due to the excellence of the pieces. All work showed the beauty of the animals that the artists chose to portray and our relationship to them. If your work was not included please do not be discouraged. This was a competitive show to jury. Continue to create!
Being an animal artist myself, I was moved by the work and excited to see how our animal friends were depicted by the talented artists.

Juror: Evelyn McCorrister-Peters

“As a painter I derive inspiration from the environment. By depicting its value to others we can continue to cherish what is left of our diverse ecosystems. As an artist I have the opportunity to record these remaining places in a manner distinctive to my experience. This process advances the artistic language of my work as well as expands the conversation and consideration for the wild among my viewers.”

Evelyn is originally from New Jersey and Delaware, and has now lived in the Sarasota/Manatee county area of Florida for over 25 years. She received a Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware and has also attended The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Ringling College of Art and Design.

In 1984 Evelyn began exploring the world, visiting 48 of the 50 states as a scenic artist with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. She now focuses on the educational and conservation efforts of the family business Squalus Inc who is partnering with the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature to establish a critical care center for Manatees. Evelyn’s travels throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Canada along with a year residency in Japan have shown a wide diversity of life and given her the opportunity to share experiences through art.

Evelyn’s work is represented by Art Uptown Gallery in Sarasota, Florida and held in private collections throughout the US, Canada, Australia, France, Spain and the Netherlands. Evelyn has received residencies and fellowships from Weir Farm National Historic Site, Zion National Park, Jentel Foundation, Dorland Mountain Arts Colony and The Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts. She is a member of the Petticoat Painters, one of the oldest, continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the United States. Evelyn serves on the governing board of Myakka River State Park with a dedication to bring artists and nature together.

Evelyn shares her 12-acre home Barking Dog Ranch, with her husband Philip, their Boxer Hank, visiting horses, sharks, sea lions and now manatees. Her life is a menagerie of the people, places and happenings of a distinctive south Florida experience.

Exhibit Schedule & Requirements

Online entry is no longer available. In-person entry is April 22, 9:00-Noon at ArtCenter Manatee.

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Joyful Expressions Exhibit

2024-2025 Exhibition Season

2024-25 Exhibition Schedule & Requirements

Download PDF: 2024-25 Exhibition Schedule & Requirements