January 12-February 10, 2001
Painting, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, fine crafts

Overall Comments by Dustan Knight, Juror
It was a privilege to be asked to jury this exhibition. I was very impressed by the high quality of the entries. The skill, variety of technique, and creativity was remarkable particularly for an open membership art association.

I tried to acknowledge not only superior craftsmanship but maturity of the artist’s vision when choosing the awards. It was a delightfully difficult task.

Juror’s Resume
Dustan Knight holds Masters Degrees in Art History from Boston University, MA and in Fine Arts in Painting Studio from Pratt Institute, NY. Her undergraduate degree comes from Duke University, NC where she received a Bachelors in Fine Art and English.

She teaches Studio Arts and Art History at the NH Institute of Art, Manchester and University of NH Durham DCE as well as Art History at the College of Life Long Learning, Portsmouth.

Ms. Knight currently works in watercolor but she also continues to use oils and acrylics. Her work can be seen in many galleries throughout New England. Her teaching skills are being offered to area artists through the NAA in the form of a watercolor workshop entitled "Big Loose and Easy" to be held on Sunday March 4th.

Click on thumbnail for larger view.

Sam Sargent Memorial Award for Best of Show
Judy Metcalfe
Rockport, MA
Half Light
Watercolor

Juror's comment: Judy Metcalfe’s "Half Light" really caught my attention as soon as I did my first walk through of the entries. Not only does it exemplify the highest mastery of the medium but the artist’s use of composition, color, and light is beautifully complimented by its presentation.

Laura Coombs Hills Memorial Award for Excellence
Patricia Rodrigues
Amesbury, MA
Muse
Acrylic

Juror's comment: Patricia Rodrigues acrylic painting "Muse" fascinated me with its complicated psychological and emotional strength. It has a freshness and directness that allows me to imagine an intimate relationship between the artist and subject. The technique does not intrude on that connection.

Award for General Excellence
Ann Tucker
Merrimac, MA
Megan
Mixed Media

Juror's comment: Ann Tucker is a superb artist in the highest academic sense. I enjoy the simplicity of her presentation too.

Award for General Excellence
Charles Shurcliff
Ipswich, MA
New England Forest
Watercolor

Juror's comment: Charles Shurcliff has chosen a simple natural subject that compliments his loose technique. The balance of colors and values couldn’t be better in my opinion and though I’ve seen images like this before this is one of the most unified pleasing examples of the genre.

Award for General Excellence
Marie Crone
Stratham NH
Afternoon
Watercolor

Juror's comment: Marie Crone’s "Afternoon" really captures the spirit of a lazy afternoon when one has the opportunity to relax in the warmth of a shaft of late afternoon light. I particularly like the vignette quality as the bottom of the image washes away. The balance of warm siennas with the ultrawarm blues creates a subtle tension within the atmosphere that keeps the viewer interested.

Award for General Excellence
Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord
Newburyport, MA
Spirit Book #18: Abiding Guidance
Mixed Media

Juror's comment: Wow, I love Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord’s books! Not only are they poetic and romantic but delightful in their visceral play of natural textures and materials. Very nice presentation and detail!

Award for General Excellence
Carol Reynolds
Newburyport, MA
Camden
Pastel

Juror's comment: Carol Reynolds has done a remarkable job capturing the vitality and joyful innocence of her subject in this pastel. I also like the slightly mauvish tones in her mat and frame which serve to bring out the warmth of the boy’s skin tones.

Honorable Mention
Marcelle Petitmaire
Boxford, MA
Snow Fence – Cape Cod
Watercolor

Honorable Mention
Dottie Bragdon
Exeter, NH
Soda Fired Vessel with Blue Design
Pottery

Honorable Mention
Peggy Stanioski
Newbury, MA
Refuge – Plum Island
Oil

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