SPRINGFIELD — The Emerald Art Center’s non-juried community art display show runs through Nov. 1 at Emerald Art Center, 500 Main St., Springfield.
The Mayor’s Art Show is a non-juried show with cash awards to each division’s first-, second-, and third-place winners. As the title implies, the mayor also selects an award.
Mayor Sean Van Gordon selected Glenn Dow’s acrylic painting, “McKenzie Memories,” for this year’s Mayor’s Art Show.
“This piece truly embodies Springfield — it’s an iconic image that resonates with everyone in our community,” Van Gordon said. “Art like this not only captures the beauty of our surroundings but also reflects the spirit of Springfield and our shared memories.”
In 2022, the mayor’s response to his selected piece was very similar. The pattern I see is that Van Gordon strongly resonates with pieces specifically about our local community. An artist knowing that tidbit could improve their chances of winning by portraying our local community.
The Springfield Arts Commission awarded $100 prizes for the following work: “Papa Q” by Shawn Coyl, “Andy N. Condor” by Levi Whittier, “Beacon of Light” by Barbara Counsil Burney, and “Robosaur” by Noah Philes (Youth Award).
The Photography at Oregon $40 award winners are: “The Pitons, Soufriere, St. Lucia” by Ed Pabor, “Thor’s Well” by Don Myers, and “Iridescent Anna is Humming” by Twyla Bohrer.
The Travel Lane County Award for $100 went to “Surrounding Wonder” by Shirley Reade.
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce Award for $100 went to “View from Backyard” at Night by Linda Schindele.
As always, the EAC displayed an impressive array of talent. It must have been difficult for judges to select the best pieces.
The photograph “Fall in the Forest Fog” by Katie Royce Olezzi captures the feeling of fall with perfectly balanced flecks of autumn colors in a monochromatic forest.
“Ocean Ballerina” by Kristi Mooney was a breathtaking glass piece with vivid colors and textures.
“Thor’s Well” by Don Myers is an incredible photograph, not just in technique but composition, framing, and spotting a subject worthy of the medium.
Patricia McConnell’s “Wisdom” was both exciting and beautiful. I reveled in her technique.
Katheryn Torvik’s “Meandering Thoughts” might be described as a mandala with intricate patterns and designs.
Barbara Counsil Burnay’s “Beacon of Light” and Karen Hubbard’s “Jewels of the Sea” are so detailed and photographically real yet stylized simultaneously that they make one remember nature’s beauty.
The variety and contrast in pieces made this an exciting show with something to please fans of every style. Out of 134 entries, over 30 awards were given. These are good odds for those entering an art show!
Guy Weese, president at EAC, mentioned that no one entered the digital art category, which is a missed opportunity for digital artists. This category should appeal to younger audiences, especially since so many schools are implementing digital art classes and programs. Perhaps there will be entrants who will take advantage of that category next year.
What makes a judge select a piece of art for the 32nd annual Mayor’s Art Show? If you are a talented artist or know one who might like to enter next year, I will reveal the secrets …
“While appreciating art might be more subjective, there are plenty of objective criteria to consider when judging quality artwork,” said Halpern, the executive director of Whiteaker Printmakers and has served on the board of directors in many art organizations. “Subject matter, value, and color tend to attract viewers, but composition, technique (brush-/line-work), and impactful content lead and hold the eye. Originality counts for a lot, but style and presentation are also important.”
Professional photographer and show judge Paula Goodbar said, “Innovation is important … We want to see something different—what affects me emotionally, not just technique.” Goodbar was the director of the Eugene Springfield Art Project in 2010 and created the Springfield Art Walk in 2010.
Emerald Art Center gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and during the Second Friday Art Walk on Oct. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
