2020 FESTIVAL RECAP & PHOTOS
2020 Festival Award Winners.
Award of Excellence
Sea Drift Sculptures, Bernie Houston #22 – $1000 Prize
Judge’s Comments: This work definitely has the wow factor. From the moment you observe the overall collection of visions that only Bernie sees, to start with, to the stunning finished painted sculptures. You can go on the journey with him with an explanation or just marvel your way thru with awe. Each piece has a degree of artistry that only one with passion for every detail of expression, shape, color and poetry of motion could execute in a three dimensional form. His true joy of working in this medium is to be admired as he draws you in with his reason for a particular piece. Bernie is a very noteworthy and contemporary artist.
Best In Show—Sugar Grove Studios
Nell Fredericksen #32 – $500 Prize
Judge’s Comments: It is such a pleasure to see a contemporary jeweler so sure of her designs and with such an ability to place and match the perfect stones precious or semiprecious with the perfect complimentary design. Maybe the stones come first and the air around them is filled with magical metals. All her works stand by themselves as exquisite finished pieces but together they are an orchestra of beauty.
Honorable Mention—Muddy Creek Pottery
Noah Hughey-Commers #82 – $500 Prize
Judge’s Comments: The first feeling I had was, of beautiful color these exquisite formed pieces all have. With no explanation, I was wowed but then I learned of the process and the huge wood ash oven that takes days to fire and even longer to cool. I am in awe of the skill of perfect design simplicity resulting in the raw and simple beauty of the earthen color and shapes. Museum quality pieces.
Judges Choice – Bart Levy
Awards 2019, Judge's Choice Award Winners
Bart Levy’s work was a refreshing idea on what we try to accomplish as artists. There was both peace and energy. There was a freedom without losing what it was that was being illustrated. She apparently took the time to work out her compositions before she painted. Excellent. My only comment was that she still needed to remember that the images that are closer to the viewer should be closer in the painting….. more precise in color and form than what is distant. I realize that many take this idea to extremes, but they will learn. I look forward to seeing more of her work in person.
Judge’s Choice – Jan Elmore
Awards 2019, Judge's Choice Award Winners
Judge’s Comments
1. Jan’s display was inviting. Each piece of art commanded its own wall space. The viewer could appreciate the beauty of every piece without being distracted by other art work in it’s proximity. I felt as if I were walking into Jan’s personal gallery.
2. Jan had great variety in her collection. She describes her art as “multimedia collages”, and true to that description, the pieces were not only multimedia — wood, glass, mirrors, etc. — but each one was unique and aesthetically pleasing in and of itself. No two designs were alike.
3. The quality of Jan’s art is impeccable. Whether it be a wall hanging, table top plaque or mirror design, each was perfectly finished, with excellent composition, colors and craftsmanship.
Judges Choice – Redeemed Woodturning
Awards 2019, Judge's Choice Award Winners
Judge’s Comments: Jason knows in his soul the perfect shape for the reclaimed wood utilitarian sculptures of exceptional beauty in space and proportion. His skill at bringing out the best of each creation is mind blowing. Vessels of timeless air and loving memories by their designer. Thank you for the experience of your work.
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