Welcome to the kickoff exhibition of our 2025-2026 season!
Juror’s Statement
It is an honor and pleasure to serve as juror for this season’s opening exhibition, “Create ‘25”. How wonderful to have the new Herrig Art Center, with all its beautiful space to exhibit such a talent-rich show.
There is a distinct Florida vibe in many of the entries. I always enjoy seeing how artists interpret our Florida landscapes, seascapes, flora and wildlife. In this collection, the interpretations are fresh, devoid of cliché, and sometimes rendered in surprising media.
In a large exhibition, creative impact and an artist’s ability to evoke an emotional response are important. In making selections, I considered impact as well as technical skill and composition. Importantly, I always look for pieces that leverage the unique characteristics of the artist’s chosen media. Innovative use of materials was a big theme in this show, and it was generously displayed throughout the entries. I was particularly impressed by the innovation shown in textiles.
The award-winning entries share not only technical mastery but compositions that lean into strong abstract shapes. Whether its abstract or representational, 2-D or 3-D, the visual space is beautifully designed by this exhibition’s winning artists.
Enjoy the variety of approaches to organic and man-made subjects and the tender representations of the human form that are all present in “Create ‘25”. I know I did.
Sincerely,
Linda K. Wokoun
First Place
Raleigh Hotel Pool, Oil
Sheri Kaiman
This is a big impact painting with excellent technical rendering. Iconic mid-century Florida with a strong graphical quality. The round pool keeps the figures grouped and the foreground decking brings the viewer directly into the action. Each figure grouping seems to have a story in progress. Enjoyed spending time with this painting.
Second Place
Doiley Sea, Fabric
Debi Webb
There were several excellent textiles in this show. This one stood out to me because of its strong design, excellent value range and technical skill. Loved the creative use of lace to suggest sea creatures.
Third Place
Lucinda At The Playground, Watercolor
Deborah Zurawel
Love the watercolor technique in this one. Graphic shapes limited cool palette with complimentary accents. Great painting.
Equal Merit
The Time In Between, Oil
Jean Cormier
Small but mighty painting. One of the most emotionally evocative paintings in the exhibit. Excellent composition with limited number of value shapes and limited, moody palette.
Best in 3D
Derby Day, Ceramic
Artis Wick
Really enjoyed the organic quality of this piece. The muted colors and glazing were beautiful. The intricate organic patterns on the top were a delight.
Honorable Mention
Monday Morning, Acrylic & Handmade Paper
Liz Cole
Love the composition. Excellent display of contrasts. Lines and Shapes, Solids and patterns, full value range, complementary colors.
Honorable Mention
Big Birds, Watercolor
Gwen Kodad
Beautifully composed and executed painting. Nice use of a limited, somewhat analogous palette with the exciting dashes of red. Beautiful.
Honorable Mention
Bird Of Paradise, Mixed Media Assemblage
Traci Kegerreis & Gemma Hobbs
Innovative use of materials in a big impact work. Loved the abstract shapes used to create a semi-representational bird.
Follow us on