February 14 - April 1, 2023
This annual judged exhibition features artwork from multiple mediums and across the country and feature both a junior & adult division.
Entry into this exhibit has closed.
Judge: Jane Winders Frank
Jane Winders Frank is a Roanoke artist with a BA in Studio Art from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. She spent a spring semester studying Life Drawing and Art History at L' Acadamie de La Grande Chaumiere in Paris, France in 1972. Following that she also completed some graduate courses through University of Virginia.
An award-winning artist, she taught at the former Roanoke Valley School for the Arts and has taught drawing, painting, papermaking, and mixed media at The Studio School, in Roanoke, for over thirty years. Jane exhibits in regional, national, and international shows.
She is married to John Frank, has two children and two grandchildren. John is her ace Art Assistant.
AWARDS:
Jane’s commentary
“It is always an honor to be asked to judge an art show, even if it ends up being from a skilled nursing care center. Not to worry.....all went well.
When judging a show I first look at all the entries together to get some first impressions. Then I go back through and see what stands out and gets my attention again. I am looking for an original voice, something that tells me about you. I also like to see creative use of media. It is good to have control over the media you are using, but even better to be willing to experiment. Always trust the process and see what develops.
It is always worthwhile to do the best framing job you can. There is a trend to use really dark frames. Try to avoid that most of the time. The dark frames box in your work and make it hard to view. If your piece is worthy of display, it is worth the best framing you can afford.
Gallery wrapped canvases are a great way to present your work; you are just paying for the canvas, paints or paper. You can seal unframed work with Krylon Satin Spray. It is archival, which you want your pieces to be, as much as possible.
There were several of you I considered for Body of Work Recognition, but one of the pieces was not as strong.
Overall, the show looks good with a variety of work. Everyone keep painting and creating in whatever medium you choose. The world wants to know what you have to say. Let the visual arts give you your voice.”
Jane Winders Frank
Awards presentations:
Youth Division
The Youth Division is new to the Curry/Bower Exhibit, and we encourage young artists to participate in this annual exhibit to honor Edna Curry and John Bower, the Center’s primary benefactors.
2nd Place: Faith Sullivan: Dragon’s Eyeland
This is a fun and whimsical painting that’s use of color and pattern repetition leads the viewer into the mind of the dragon.
1st Place: Everett Graham: Bowling Alley
The use of the soft unfocused background, brilliant lighting, and bright colors of the bowling balls provides nice contrast and movement in this composition.
Adult Division:
The awards as selected by Jane Winders Frank
“There was an array of strong pieces, and I was pleased to give them awards”:
AWARDS OF MERIT:
Martha Franklin: Sunflowers x2
I enjoyed the composition of these pieces. Sunflowers always make me smile.
Sarah Bolduc: Never Alone
This piece brought me back for another look many times.
Beth Rodgers: Nasturtium
This piece is beautifully painted and alive with color.
BODY OF WORK:
Third Place: Kim Leonard Ritzy Eye, Smokey Face, Note Fence
I loved the new viewpoints and composition. They felt fresh.
Second Place: Mark Johnson Upstairs at Bailey Spencer, The Kitchen Table, Onsala Parlor
These paintings have an atmospheric sense of mystery. They have a story to tell.
First Place: Tobi Abrams Reflections, Approaching Storm Over the Field, Reflections on the Lake These paintings reflect the landscape in an emotional way.
Top 3 Awards:
3rd Place: Rebecca Bradbury: Blinded by the Old Crows
This painting has a different point of view and a mysterious energy.
2nd Place: Desmond Black: Table
What a beautiful table. The design and the surface is exquisite.
Best in Show: Gina Louthian-Stanley: Wolf Shadow
This piece is beautifully composed, and the palette and textures are lovely.
People's Choice Winners:
Linda Hollett-Bazouzi, First Quarter Moon at Twilight
Gina Browning, Joy
Lennie Richardson, Maine Spruce
