The Newburyport Art Association presents The 2006 Annual Members Fall Juried
Show from September 22nd to October 22nd. There were 302 entries from 193 artists, 141 works were selected.

The Juror for the show is Susan Erony who is the Executive Director, seArts, Society for the encouragement of the Arts, Gloucester, MA. Ms. Erony attended University for Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, Holland, PhD Candidate, ABD; Lesley University Cambridge, MA, BFA; Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA, BFA; Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI. She has had solo and collaborative exhibitions Throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, where her work is included in many public and private collections. As an Art Curator, Lecturer, and consultant she has been involved in numerous arts organizations, universities and Museums Exhibitions and Programs.

The Juror's overall comments:

"In general, I was impressed with the quality of the entries and the variety of approach. It is clear that the Association is inclusive of non-traditional work, a situation that is not so common. I truly enjoyed the technical competence of much of the work - the serious engagement of so many artists with their materials. Though the exhibition contains a wide range of work, I hope that the level of quality will bridge differences in approach and point of view."

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The Mary Alice Arakelian Memorial Award for Best of Show
Sara Demrow-Dent, West Newbury, MA
"Peony Journal Series II"
Oil

"It is hard to work with text in visual art and have the combination make complete sense. For that to happen, the text must be integral to the structure of the work, must not seem like an afterthought of advertisement for a message. It is because of the successful integration, of the sense that the piece would not be complete without the fragile writing making the edges quiver, that the work so engaged me. It is a personal piece, but not only personal - it includes journal writing, but speaks of a journal itself - its intimacy; it's being made of pages, a book with covers. In some ways it reveals vulnerability; in others it keeps us out. The red is sensual but also fierce. It is the teasing quality of the piece that gives it its power, and my need to struggle with it that made me choose it."

Strem Chemical Award for Oil Painting
Lully Schwartz, Amesbury, MA
"Happy Trails"
Oil

"The energy of paint application and the linear shakiness give the sense of constant movement in this piece. The painting itself feels as if it is breathing and undulating. It was the combination of those strong statements with the muted palette that makes the piece feel alive and engaging."

The Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation Award for Drawing
Elizabeth Clark, Manchester, MA
"Mythgathers #8"
Drawing

"This is another piece where elements and techniques and message have a tense relationship. We normally associate the delightful style and palette with children's book illustration, but the "figures" are absurd and the message is dark. It is not that horror and charming depiction do not have a tradition - it is that the combination still has a kick. The piece is technically satisfying - The artist clearly understands anatomy and nature
enough to play with them well."

Newburyport Five Cent Savings Bank Award for Mixed Media
Paula Estey, Newburyport, MA
"Mercy"
Mixed Media

"Mercy" could not exist except as a mixed media piece - in that sense it has real integrity. There is an interesting combination of harsh and soft both in materials and in color. Tension exists as well between the feminine (color & material) and the violence of the expression. The piece raises questions about who this person is - is she (he?) in pain or causing pain or neither. It feels timely, both in an aesthetic and topical sense."


Newburyport Area Industrial Development Foundation Award for Pastel
Janet MacLeod, Newburyport, MA
"Trees of Cravenelli I"
Pastel

"This is a work that glows, that one can enter into and take a break. The
color is luscious and the trees are animated."


General Excellence Award for Printmaking
Mary Arthur Pollak, Ipswich, MA
"Still"
Print

"There is something so wonderful about fullness that comes out of simplicity, and "still" accomplishes that. The yellow is bright without being garish, it is rich and lemony. The layering and delicacy of line are soothing, but there is a depth and thoughtfulness that accompany the quiet."


Laura Coombs Hills Award for Excellence in Acrylic
Jim Collins, Plaistow, NH
"Pebbles of Time"
Acrylic

"I chose this piece for its technical mastery, its wonderful care of execution. The palette is lovely, the shapes convincing, and the variety quite enchanting. It is a wonderful reminder of the rewards of close looking, of walking with on eye focused on the ground."


Sam Sargent Award for Fine Crafts
Dave Sheppard, Peaks Island, ME
"Metal Box 1 & 2
Fine Craft

"These Boxes are just beautiful and beautifully made. They are unique as well - clearly an artist's vision. They are appropriately precious and call out to hold dear things, but they are also comfortable - one can see the hand of the maker and sense the human touch."


Mildred Hartson Award for Excellence in Watercolor
Anna Recchia, Newburyport, MA
"Storm Damage"
Watercolor

"I chose "Storm Damage" for its perfect color, soft yet strong technique, and accuracy of depiction - not in the sense of replicating its subject, but of replicating the feel of its subject. One can feel the touch of the painter in this piece, and sense her close looking. It is a timeless scene."


Honorable Mentions
Philip McCurdy, Ogunquit, ME
"Bald Head, York"
Acrylic








John Strother, Newbury, MA
"Mr. Limpet"
Mixed Media




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