Different Perspectives
Juror: Kerry McAleer-Keeler || Catalog || Flyer
Awards:
- Rear Perspective oil painting by Charlotte Richards of Fredericksburg, VA
- Is and Is Not, 22 digital photo by Alex Mattila of Stafford, VA
- Dragonfly Waltz #42 mixed media by Bob Worthy of Montross, VA
Honorable Mentions:
- Park Series: Inclined Plane photo transfer/Caran Dache/color pencil drawing by David Lovegrove of Fredericksburg, VA
- Member of the Wedding lino block print by Linda Rose Larochelle of Fredericksburg, VA
- Poem mixed media paper collage by Teresa Blatt of North Hills, CA
- Under the Railroad Crossing oil painting by Marcia Chaves of Fredericksburg, VA
Juror's Statement
It was a sheer pleasure jurying the Different Perspectives exhibition this month at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. I found it eye-opening to see such a wealth of talent represented in so many unique pieces submitted that it made the selection process prove challenging. When choosing work for this exhibition, focus was on artists who brought something innovative and experimental to the theme of the show along with an attention to true technical skill.
I enjoy work that speaks to the viewer; pieces that are not afraid to take chances or that push the viewer out of their comfort zone. There were many strong works in this exhibition that accomplished this, but a few were standouts.
The first place award was given to the artist, Charlotte Richards for her piece "Rear Perspective". The artist's gestural use of the paint and free-flowing strokes created a successful capricious sense of movement along with reflecting profound beauty found in our natural world.
Second place was awarded to Alexis Mattila for her piece "Is and Is Not, #22". This piece was selected for its adept use of photography and the very creative, slightly disturbing, visual narrative created. Mattila keeps the viewer guessing as to what is real and what is imagined---and what the circumstances are for the image backstory. It is this element of surprise that gives the piece it power and jarring connections for the viewer.
A mixed media piece entitled, "Dragonfly Waltz #42" by Bob Worthy was selected for third place because of its simple elegance and compelling use of color and photo transfer. The artist's has a skillful control over the mixed media combined in the purposeful composition. The apt use of rectangular shapes reminds the viewer of piano keys while juxtaposed to the darting dragonfly images gives the piece balance and progression.
Lastly, not to be overlooked are this exhibition's Honorable Mentions. These awards went to David Lovegrove's colorful "Park Series: Inclined Plane" with photo transfer, Caran Dashe and color pencil, "Member of the Wedding" a playful multi-color linoleum block print by Linda Rose Larochelle, "Poem", a unique mixed media paper collage by Teresa Blatt and "Under the Railroad Crossing" an accomplished oil by Marcia Chaves. I appreciated having the opportunity to jury an exhibition celebrating the diversity of viewpoint both from a literal to internalized context. I hope many of the pieces selected will resonate with you as well. Thank you to the FCAA and congratulations to all participants and award winners.
Kerry McAleer-Keeler
Associate Professor and Program Head, Art and the Book Graduate Program
Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20006
