January 13 – February 12, 2006
Pastel, Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Digital Art, Fine Crafts
Sargent and Hartson Galleries

Juror: Leslie Costello
Ms. Costello is the Executive Director of the Essex Art Center, a multifaceted arts organization in Lawrence, MA, where she has curated the main gallery exhibitions for 12 years. Art has been her life-long interest. She graduated from Bradford College in 1993 with a degree in Art History, and since then has been involved in the creation, development and growth of the Essex Art Center.

Juror's Overall Comments:
"Represents a selection of diverse styles and applications. One day - one person's opinion - at one time.

Traditional to modern

Good use of materials

Technique

The artwork was very difficult to choose - every piece has value. The show represents a diverse range of styles and techniques to provide the viewer with an interesting and provocative look at the art world in their backyard.

The first glance at the artwork alerted me to my hard work ahead. Each artist submitted their piece with the finest intentions and my wish is that they are not discouraged from future shows.

I responded to color and composition, and then to application and use of materials - the difference for most pieces was a special something that caught my eye - a hint of light, unusual placement or just plain great art."

Click on thumbnail for larger view.

Mary Alice Arakelian Memorial Award for Best of Show
Laura Roberts, Newburyport, MA
"Twilight on the Marsh", Oil
"This piece appealed to me from the very first look - the light and atmosphere set it apart. Oil paintings are my passion. Ms. Roberts has used oils so softly capturing the beauty of the marshes with just a hint of water flowing through. Strong composition and color."

Laura Coombs Hills Award for Oil
Dale Partiss Greene, Ipswich, MA
"October Woods", Oil
"Greene's painting captures a small space and makes it important with the bold colors, enhanced by a soft background. The loose application of paint and the autumn palette match the subject. Great composition."

Newburyport Bank Award for Mixed Media
Jill Schlanger, Newburyport, MA
"Untitled I & II", Mixed Media
"Jill has created mystery and intrigue using bold colors and strong strokes. I am sure each viewer will come up with their own material list and process. It keeps one guessing."

Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation Award for Acrylic
Sharon Silverman, Methuen, MA
"Heart and Soul", Acrylic
"This piece brings great colors together, painstakingly placed in a methodical design - an ancient art updated by modern color. This award is given for technique and fine execution."

Sam Sargent Award for Sculpture
Yildiz Growdewski, Salem, NH
"Mementos 1-2-3", Sculpture
"The process of bringing clay to fruition requires a patient and experimental artist. Yildiz has created serene and natural vessels that make one feel welcome. The shape, the openings and the glaze show a familiarity and mastering of materials."

Newburyport Area Industrial Development Foundation Award for Watercolor
Cathy Garnett, Newburyport, MA
"Reservoir Rocks", Watercolor
"Ms. Garnett has taken a much painted subject and made it special with deep colors and a hint of light upon the rocks. The foliage in the background gives the piece a lovely contrast between the soft greenery and the bold strength of the rocks."

Mildred Hartson Award for General Excellence
Susan Kapusanski Gaylord, Newburyport, MA
"Spirit Book # 35: Earthly Radiance", Sculpture
"This book has a beauty only nature could possess. Susan has brought thatbeauty to our attention in an every day item. Wonderful thoughtfulness and excellent use of materials."

Honorable Mention
Ernie Way, Boxford, MA
"Woodland Path", Oil




Honorable Mention
Susan Chadwick, Topsfield, MA
"Oblong Blue", Oil


Honorable Mention
Skip Motes, Newburyport, MA
"Orchard", Mixed Media






Honorable Mention
David Random, Rye, NH
"Stinger Satellite",





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