Gadsden Arts is pleased to congratulate its 33rd Arts in Gadsden Juried Exhibition award winners, selected on July 9, 2021.
Our juror, Aja Roache, is a gallery director for Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery on Florida A&M University campus, and teaches Museum Studies courses. She has curated exhibitions for multiple local cultural institutions including the 621 Gallery, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives, and The Havana History and Heritage Society.
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Roache had a rigorous selection process for this year’s exhibition. Selecting award winners from 99 works was quite the tall order. She spent a few days reviewing artists’ biographies and statements regarding each piece, then narrowed it down to a select few.
After taking into consideration not only the piece itself, but the artists’ intended purpose behind their work, Roache was able to select this year’s award winners.
Best in Show, sponsored by Doug Croley Insurance Services Inc, was awarded to Mark Georgiades’ “Behind the Facade,” 2021, a sculpture made of welded steel cut nails, that is nearly six feet tall.
Depicting a fragmented silhouette holding a full-piece mask, Georgiades’ sculpture was truly this year’s show stopper!
“This sculpture feels like a study in dualities, and that really intrigued me. This work is both mysterious and inviting, using masculine media and depicting a feminine form, the hard exterior, and the visible transparent interior,” Roache commented.
First Place, sponsored by Capital City Bank, was awarded to Sherry Allen’s “Dripping in the Fronds,” 2019, a watercolor. Allen’s piece is an absolutely beautiful rendition of a Roseate Spoonbill, showcasing technique and precision. “The beauty of this painting is three-fold for me: the lovely light and shadow throughout the painting, the crisp lines created, and the great composition” said Roache.
Second Place, sponsored by Iron Oak Wealth Management, was awarded to Sal Guastella’s “Perro de Mi Primavera,” 2019, a mixed media.
Roache expresses her thoughts on Guastella’s piece commenting: “What are two of the most joyful things in life? Dogs and Springtime! I very much appreciate the kinetic feeling of the bright colors and patterns that seem to celebrate the beauty of life.” “Perro de Mi Prima” is three-dimensional, visually stimulating, and is an experience that is best had in person!
Third Place, sponsored by Full Earth Farm, was awarded to Matthew Brady’s “Aubrac Fog,” 2020, silver gelatin print.
Roache commented: “Aubrac Fog is unassuming in scale, but so alluring in its moody, even melancholy disposition” Aubrac Fog encapsules a desolate feeling, with a grainy texture that aids in the atmospheric tones of the photo.
Three artists earned an honorable mention: Cathy Hathaway, “2020, 2021, acrylic; Samantha McCoy, “Gatorland, 2020 oil on canvas; and Fred Sanguiliano, “Angelina, 2020, acrylic on wood panel.
An online Art Talk Live! with top award winners will be held on Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m. Sign up is available via Gadsden Arts website, www.gadsdenarts.org. The 33rd Art in Gadsden, along with three more exhibitions, remains on view through Sept. 18, 2021.
The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum would like to thank our sponsors for our 33rd Annual Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition: Thomas Howell Ferguson, TDS Telecom, Quincy Main Street, Lines Hinson and Lines, Black Fig, Doug Croley Insurance Services Inc, Capital City Bank, Iron Oak Wealth Management, and Full Earth Farm.
Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 13 N Madiston St., in Quincy, in the Courthouse Square. For the safety of our visitors and staff, masks are required for those who have not been vaccinated.
Exhibition admission is free for children 17 and under, museum members, and with a $5 fee for nonmember adults. Fletcher Museum shop admission is free for everyone. We offer Free Art @ Home Kits for all families. The Art Zone is open by reservation by calling 850-627 5023. Visit www.gadsdenarts.org.
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