VPS 2024 Members Exhibition – June 2024
VPS: SW Hub is pleased to host the 2024 Members’ Exhibition (ME) from June through mid-September.
Location: Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester, VT
Dates: June 8 to September 22.
Title: Pastel Panorama: Journeys with a Medium
This show title was presented to encourage members to try something new, to move beyond their comfort zones, to “take a journey.” “Panorama” covers the wide range of styles that will be represented.
Members may have considered experimenting with mixed media, different mark-making or underpainting techniques, a change of subject matter, working larger than normal or more abstract. This was a chance to play and not be restrained by the 80% soft pastel rule of the Juried Show. Have fun!
Judge of Awards: Stella Ehrich www.stellaehrich.com
Judge’s First Place Award – $150
Shaking Off, Marianne Nealy
Marianne Nealy – “Shaking Off”
The exuberant pooch shaking off after his swim sets the tone for the joy found throughout the work, in the zaniness of his reflection and the fun abstractions in the water.
Judge’s Second Place Award – $125
Judy Albright – “ Divine Sustenance”
The pear is divinely rendered in a way that makes it both succulent and sensual. It is indeed perfection rising above a background of a mixed media presentation of human endeavors in music and writing. Not even the gold thread placed in front of the pear can keep it from stealing the show with its perfectly beautiful rending.
Judge’s Third Place Award – $100
Debra Kraemer – “Street Wise”
I enjoyed the abstract qualities of this composition and the way that the figures work within the linear breakup of the space. The 3 figures and the fire hydrant are treated in a similar way, made up of simplified geometric shapes that are very expressive in their simplicity.
Lively Still Life Award – $50 NH Pastel Society
Linda Francis – “My Pleasure”
Animated by energetic and expressive black mark making that underlies more subtle color harmonies, this painting is indeed a pleasure to behold.
Figuratively Speaking Award – $50 NH Pastel Society
Shelli DuBoff – “The Weaver”
Shelli’s composition of the Kenyan woman weaving is a lovely expression of solitude and light. The backlit figure is focused on her work in a blank room that holds nothing but the weaver and the light.
Abstractly Appealing Award – $50 various pastels
Alice Eckles – “The Gift of Beginning”
This work has a mysterious presence in which color presents in its purest rainbow form. Line creates energy and promise. The seed like shape in the center presents the mystery of potential and little mark making here and there gives us a glimmer of the cosmos. It brings to mind the work of Hilma of Klint.
Totally Tonal Award – $50 various pastels
Constance Filbin – “Jerico”
I enjoyed this beautifully composed painting of the dark shadows of trees on a snow covered field. I appreciate the way that the house became an element of the light tones connected with the snow while the sky (which is usually the lightest element of the painting) connects with the dark tones of the shadows.
Touchingly Textural Award – $50 various pastels
Lynne Couey – “In Bloom”
Texture here is something delicate and ephemeral like the flowers that she paints. Lynne is able to describe the light and lacy airiness of her flowers in a way that makes one want to pluck them from the field.
Colorfully Crafted Award – $50 various pastels
Memorial Chicken, Cristine Kossow
Cristine Kossow – “Memorial Chicken”
I enjoyed the loose brushwork and textures created by the artist. The color choices here were lovely with the blues and purples activated by the bright red touches near the beak of the memorial chicken.
Lovely Lines Award – $50 various pastels
Goodbye to March, Kathy Detzer
Kathryn Detzer – “Goodbye to March”
Lines are essential to creating the composition in this work. It is the variety of line, including color and texture, that add to the beauty of both this painting and Kathryn’s second entry entitled “Nestled In”.
Shapely and Edgy Award – $50 various pastels
Grace Cothalis – “A Pink Dream”
The abstract qualities in this piece allow the viewer’s imagination to flow in different directions. The cut-out shapes put an emphasis on shape and edges that is unusual, unexpected and successful.
Reflective Waterscape Award – $50 ADK Pastel Society
Lisa May – “Manchester, Vermont”
This painting has a beautiful airy atmosphere with subtle movements of light and color that create a tranquil and engaging scene.
Luminous Landscape Award – $50 ADK Pastel Society
Rim Light, Crystal Call
Cristal Call – “Rim Light”
The sky is the main attraction of this painting with the clouds beautifully illuminated above the tree lined ridge. The narrow strip of light on the rim of the hill is the final touch of perfection in this little gem.
Reception was held Saturday, June 8, 2-4 PM. This was a joint opening reception with the VT Glass Guild.
Pick Up: Monday and Tuesday, September 23 and 24, 10-4.
Commission: The gallery collects a 40% commission from all sold works.
Announcements and Public Relations: Southern Vermont Art Center will create a press release to be distributed to local media outlets. Please share information about the ME on your social media. Hard-copy postcard invitations can be created at the exhibitors’ request and expense.
Liability: By submitting titles and framed sizes for hanging in this show, artists are agreeing to the terms established by the Southern Vermont Art Center for exhibitions and understand that the Vermont Pastel Society has no insurance for liability available for artwork in transition to and from the venue and while hanging in the venue. All risk for damage to or loss of artwork at the ME, as well as during transportation to or from the venue, is the responsibility of the artist.
Questions:
If you have any questions about the exhibit, feel free to contact either:
Linda Masten – [email protected]
Shelli DuBoff – [email protected]
With all of us participating, this VPS show will garner lots of viewer attention at an outstanding venue. Thank you for offering your pastels for exhibition!