News
Artful Antics Judging Results Announced
The Norris Gallery committee has announced awards for the Artful Antics exhibit, on display in the Norris Gallery until February 16. A free reception honoring the exhibit’s artists will be hosted at the gallery on Sunday, January 19, 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Visit the gallery during its regular hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Show Judge: Lawrence K. Johnson
Larry is a local sculptor who lives in Geneva, Illinois. He works in clay and has many local bronze commissions, including The Saint Charles Public Library, the Geneva Visitors Center, Peck Farm Park, Geneva, IL., Villa St. Benedict, Lisle, IL., St. Bede Academy, Peru, IL., Chase Bank, Naperville, IL., St. Mark Parish, Peoria, IL., Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL., as well as numerous private collections. He studied with and was studio assistant to Rudolph Torrini, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, MO., Virginio Ferrari, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL., and Thomas Walsh, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL., He holds a BFA in Painting and Sculpture from Fontbonne University and an MFA in Sculpture from SIU. He has judged several shows at the Fineline Gallery and a Scholastic Art Regional Show in Central Illinois.
Judge’s Overall Comments
“ It was an honor to be invited to judge this exciting and delightful exhibit at the Norris Gallery. I was overwhelmed by the wealth of talent and creativity presented by these 130 works in a variety of media. Quite frankly, my role was quite challenging based on the excellent breadth and depth of the submissions. My selections were limited in number, but the winners surely outnumbered the available awards. My congratulations to all the creators of the fine pieces of art displayed in this entire show! The talent represented is a credit to the vibrant artist community and the curators and patrons who made this show possible. I extend my challenge to all the artists to continue their wonderful work.”
Award of Excellence
Carleen O’Connor Rivera “Listening to the Whale Song” Pastel on Handmade Pastel Surface
Truly an excellent presentation of a wonderful moment in time and place. The use of pastel is fresh and alive, and the composition is unique and poignant. Ms. Rivera’s command of the surface area is superlative! Her use of color is energetic, dramatic and very descriptive. Emotions are conveyed. One can almost hear the whales.
Joan Ladendorf “Create a Woman with Rearrangeable Pieces” Digital Photo Collage on Wood Panels
This mixed media piece was a perfect example of an interactive artwork, created with excellent detail and quality execution. Ms. Ladendorf’s work is enticingly playful, insightful in its literal interactivity and exquisitely intriguing in its options. Her composition is well thought out and planned. Her imagery works well with the process in which she invites us to engage.
Award of Merit
Connie Olesen Orbeta “The Mystic” Stoneware, Underglazes and Cold Wax Medium
The hand built ceramic portrait is delicately detailed and executed. Ms. Orbeta’s craftsmanship is extremely refined and poignant. Her subtle sculpted forms are echoed and reinforced by her tandemly subtle use of glaze and color. Another strength in her work is the beautiful surface treatment and detailing.
Elisabeth Dzuricsko “Cicadas Embark to Cythera 2” Duralar, Ink and Acrylic
This delightful parallel to an early 1700s painting by Watteau is a rich parody presented in a gem of a mixed media composition. The embarkation of pilgrims to the Greek island of Cythera, the birthplace of Venus, is restated in Ms. Dzuricsko’s work, using cicadas as the characters in a similar landscape construct. She also utilizes blocks of color to create a jewel-like faceted stained-glass effect. This work is a perfect mixture of respect for old versus new, with new characters and new approaches.
Honorable Mention
Jeanne Garrett “Love Birds” Archival Print on Fine Art Paper
Ms. Garrett’s work unfolds exquisite photographic imagery. The subjects are centered and richly nestled on a dark, textured background field, which has depth and warmth. The birds’ details are so incredibly fine and flawless. Such a sensitive treatment of the surface demonstrates a sophisticated mastery of the art.
Dan Grych “Ancient Ones” Digital Photograph
The rich and subtle contrast created in this excellent photograph is incredible. Mr. Grych’s treatment of the tree forms in their lush color spectrum and pattern against the solid rocky formations is poetic and a treat for the eyes. This work pays incredible homage to nature, whether fragile or seemingly immoveable.
Chris Hodge “Vernal Bloom” Ink Drawing
This meticulously drawn work is a tribute to the technical perfection achieved by Mr. Hodge. Details upon details are used to unlock, describe and define his subject matter.
Patricia van Dusen “A Fish’s Eye View” Colored Pencil
This unique perspective provides the viewer with a creative and playful insight. Ms. van Dusen’s mastery of the medium, her excellent use of color and line makes this piece visually exciting and rich. It echoes a ballet in its grace and movement.
Joan Mills “Bears are Where?” Paint, Paper and Pencil
A multi-windowed collage plays a visual game of hide and seek with the viewer. It is meticulously created, with both pigment and cutouts on six landscape scenes executed with lush color and harmonious compositions. The piece reflects light from the many layered applications. Superb command of the media!
