Tom Grubb, executive director of Fayetteville Museum of Art, judged the 242 entries and awarded first, second and third place and honorable mentions in seven categories and also selected the Best in Show award, given annually in memory of Sara Wilson Hodgkins.
In a written judge’s statement, Grubb said, “The artists are to be commended for creating artwork in a world that offers such a challenging environment. In a judged competition not all of the artists can receive awards. I chose the awards based on art that, in my opinion, made an impact on me as the judge. Craftsmanship must always be the first consideration, and this includes the total art piece including the framing. The art must also be exploring new concepts, or seeking new truths. It is this exploration that distinguishes a “color and design” problem from ‘high art’.”
The 2003 Sara Wilson Hodgkins Best in Show award went to Paul DeLorenzo for his oil painting “Alex.” The “Lee Barrett People’s Choice” Award, voted for by reception guests, went to Elizabeth Morrison Barron for her acrylic painting “Profiles (Moore County Hounds).” The People’s Choice Award was named in honor of Barrett’s 21 years of dedicated service to the Arts Council.
A list of the judge’s selections follows:
Acrylic: First place, Cari Dreher, “Rushing;” second place, Harry Neely, “Crab Apples & Bread.”
Drawing/Pastel: first place, Shirley App, “Waiting; second place, Shirley App, “Summer Girl;” third place, Ulli Misegades, “Day Lilies.”
Digital Art: first place, Alphonso Peppers, “The Flag;” second place, Mary Harned, “Natures Developé;” third place, Jane Mohr, “Kaleidoscope Quilt.”
Mixed Mediums: first place, Lewis Pate, “In the Beginning…;” second place, Emily J. Turner, “Untitled Portrait;” third place: Lewis Pate, “Moonlit Canyon II.”
Oil: first place, Paul DeLorenzo, “Alex;” second place: Gregg Hatcher, “Their Hearts Are With the Sailors;” third place: Jessie MacKay, “Poppy Fields for Targa;” Honorable Mention. Merideth Martens, “Bowling 101.”
Photography (given in memory of Edward L. Green): first place, Chris Christiansen, “Antelope Slot Canyon;” second place, Mary Balfour, “Ladles of Light;” third place: Stephanie Mault, “Petals;” Honorable Mention, Maureen Frederick, “My Garden.”
Watercolor: first place, Pamela Swarbrick, “Moooo…;” second place: Bruce Vogel, “In Paradise;” third place: Nancy Handlan, “Suspended Grapes;” Honorable Mention, Phyllis Burns, “Yard Birds.”
In addition to Grubb’s choices, the following artists received purchase awards from the local business, professional and private sectors: Gwen Murray’s “Smile” (photograph) from Margaret and George Burnett; J.P. Hill’s “Ushwia Penguin” (oil) from Laurie Rich of Laurie Rich Catering; Lauren Bobo’s “Giverney” (watercolor) from Paula Montgomery; Jane Knudsen’s “The Beginning” (acrylic) from an anonymous source; B.J. Henderson’s “Barns at Malcolm Blue Farm” (mixed mediums) from Jackie Westbrook of Family Income Planning; Charlotte Hall’s “Red Door” (watercolor) from Peggy Sarvis of Sarvis Management & Real Estate Services; Harry Neely’s “Crab Apples & Bread” (acrylic) from Pinky Doyle, ReMax of the Pines; Barbara Sickenberger’s “Waiting for Heaven” (drawing) from Ginny Thomasson of Holden, Thomasson & Longfellow; Shirley App’s “Waiting” (drawing) from Dr. Bill Terry of Pinehurst OB-GYN Associates; Patricia Elliott’s “Among Friends” (drawing) from Tina Adams of ReMax of the Pines; Emily J. Turner’s “Untitled Portrait” (mixed mediums) from Walker Morris of Muirfield Broadcasting; and Maureen Frederick’s “My Garden” (photography) from Denis McCullough, ASID.
The exhibit is on display and most artwork is for sale at the galleries (482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines), through Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17 and Sept. 20 and 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public. Please note that the galleries will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day.
For additional information call 910-692-4356, email acmc@pinehurst.net, or check our Web site, www.artscouncil-moore.org.
