The Harford Artists’ Gallery announces awards for premier regional art show
by Alexandra Kopp
Outstanding original artwork is on display through October at the Harford Artists’ Gallery in Bel Air. “Pictures at an Exhibition” is a regional juried art show featuring works by artists from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Delaware. Out of 154 entries, 75 pieces of artwork were accepted into the show. One thousand dollars in prize money was awarded at the artists’ reception on Saturday, September 13th.
The judging took place on Thursday, Sept 11th by the esteemed watercolorist Rodney Cook, art professor at Stevenson University. “When I walked into the yellow cottage, there was a most impressive display of traditional American oil painting. The images made strong statements pushing the limits of bright color, dramatic contrasts, strong draftsmanship, and good design. The presentation was powerful and seductive”, exclaimed Mr. Cook.
Best in Show goes to Ursula Cain Jordan’s “YOUR VOTE, YOUR POWER”, which is, according to Mr. Cook, “a comment on modern life (see inset photo). It is a personal reflection about an issue of our time… There is an inherent sense of optimism and love of human kind.” Second place goes to Carol L. Johnson’s still life painting, “SWEET FELLOWSHIP”. Third place goes to Robert Vail’s “LOOKING BACK”. Honorable mentions and special recognitions were given to Pam Burton, Yvonne Hartman Smith, Renee Henderson, Sharon Broomall and James Drake Iams.
Louanne Van Fossen, Coordinator of the exhibit, said that her committee members, Pattie Stonesifer, Sarah Bacon, and Rich Moure, all the volunteers, poured their hearts into this show, as well as pulling a little hair out, but they brought it in on time, under budget and made a little profit! “The talent in Harford County never ceases to astound me”, said Louanne.
Even though the competitive awards have been announced, visitors to the Gallery can still vote for their favorite piece of artwork to win the People’s Choice Award. Votes can be cast throughout the month of September, and the winner will be announced the weekend of October 11th and 12th during the Gallery’s 5th Anniversary celebration. There will be an Open House on Oct 11th, 12-6 pm and a Family Fun Festival Day on Oct 12th, 12-4 pm. The Gallery will host art activities for children, caricature drawing, and plein air painting demonstrations. The Bel Air Main Street hot dog cart will be on site for refreshments.
The Harford Artists’ Gallery is open on Thursdays and Fridays, 1- 6 pm, Saturdays 12 – 6 pm and Sundays 12 – 4 pm. The exhibit continues through October 26th. The Harford Artists’ Gallery and Association is a 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts in Harford County. All of the artwork, pottery, sculpture and jewelry is created by local artists and the Gallery is managed by the artists as volunteers. Stop by and support the arts in Harford County.
To learn more about Harford Artists’ Association visit www.artinharford.org/
