Colborne Art Gallery announces juried-show winners – Northumberland Today, July 29, 2014

COLBORNE – On July 12, for the second year in a row, the Colborne Art Gallery attracted dozens of artists, gallery members, supporters and friends to the opening reception of its juried show.

This year's show features 52 pieces by 49 artists, from Mississauga to Fredericton, NB, incorporating a diverse range of media, including drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fibre art and jewelry.

This year's guest juror was Olexander Wlasenko, curator of the Station Gallery in Whitby, choosing from among the 131 works submitted. From his selections, six pieces were chosen for the awards that were presented at the opening.

This year's Juror's Choice Award, sponsored by the Colborne gallery, was presented to Audrey Smith of Mississauga. Of her winning piece Vulnerable, Wlasenko commented, "The ambitious scale of this work opens a one-to-one dialogue between the pensive sitter and her viewer.

"The brushwork is rich, expressive and confident. The sitter on the other hand is placid, subdued and vulnerable. A nice juxtaposition plays out in this work. Congratulations on such a successful composition!"

Cramahe Township Mayor Marc Coombs selected the Mayor's Choice award winner, presented to Newtonville's Nancy Moore for her piece Snowy Pines at Sunset. The award features a custom-made plaque by Colborne's Hoselton Sculptures.

Four Honourable Mentions were also chosen by Wlasenko, awarded to Gerald Banting for his Still Life in the Spaulted Spring, Angela Hennessey for Nightfall, Marion Meyers for Blue Poppies in the Birches, and Marcela Rosemberg for Payasa. These awards were sponsored by an anonymous donor, Ganaraska Art and Framing, Cree Organics and Rhonda's Framing, respectively.

Every piece in the show is a delight to behold, exhibiting a high degree of talent, visual literacy and technical skill by both amateur and professional artists. They are best viewed in person in the light and airy atmosphere of the Colborne Gallery at 51 King St. E.

There is still time to take in these master works, as the show runs until Aug. 17.

The gallery is open Thursdays to Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. A gallery member is always present during these hours, and always delighted to meet and chat with new and returning visitors.

For a full list of participating artists, along with pictures from the opening reception and more comments from the juror, visit www.thecolbornegallery.ca

— Monika Devine