Our Spring Juried Exhibit was scheduled to be held in the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor from late March through April. Unfortunately, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of the in-person exhibit.

In place of a physical exhibit, we have assembled a virtual exhibit for you here. Please enjoy this slideshow of the beautiful pieces selected by our juror, Ed Kennedy, and read his remarks below.

JUROR: EDWARD KENNEDY | www.edwardkennedystudio.com

Juror’s Statement

The AAWA show is challenging as a judge, not only because of the number of high quality works submitted, but also due to the variety of media and subject matter.  My criteria for selecting artwork for inclusion into the show as well as selecting awards were based on fundamentals that I believe transcends both medium and subject matter.  For me, the first criteria being overall impact.  The work must capture my attention.  It should hold my attention and want me to explore the work longer, moving my eye throughout the work.  The work should illustrate good design principles.  It does not matter if the artwork is a sculpture, photograph, painting or a drawing.  Design matters.  I look to see if the artist has good command of their selected medium such as good drawing skills, the use of color, understanding of edges, texture, material, value, etc.  For example, photographs should show that the artist understands focus, exposure, etc. Drawings should demonstrate an understanding of line, shading, proportion, etc.  Even so, there still remains preferences that each judge may have, including me. So do not be discouraged if your work was not selected into the show or if you did not win an award.  All of the work I reviewed was wonderful and perhaps next time….

Notes on the award winners:

1st place – Blooming:  This work checks all the boxes.  The design is well thought out.  The relative position of the heads, the gaze of the eyes, the use of flowers all help orchestrate movement of your eye through out the painting.  The artist also understands color and in particular its restraint.  Drawings and proportions are spot on.  A wonderful work.

2nd place – Szabadsag:  The artist captures the feeling of light and atmoshere on a warm fall day.  There is an understanding of perspective and design that invites the viewer into the painting.  It has a wonderful color harmony that enhances the subject.  It certainly reminds me of a fall day in Ann Arbor and I would love to go sit on that bench.

3rd place – Girl on the Grass:  This work is well executed.  Although a simple subject (a girl on grass) the artist understands design and can draw.  The background compliments the subject and heightens attention on the girl.  The variety of texture and shapes adds interest without distracting from the focal point. I can only imagine how the actual texture of the fabric would add to the overall feel of this work.  Well done.

Congratulations to all of the winners:

• First Place: “Blooming” by Tia Dye Sunshine
• Second Place: “Szadbag Ter” by Patricia Davenport
• Third Place: “Girl on the Grass” by Alessandra Lipman
• Honorable Mention: “Alaskan River of Ice” by Betsy Finn
• Honorable Mention: “Elizabeth and Her Knots” by Brein Harpster
• Honorable Mention: “Time Can Be So Sweet” by Sue Cutler
• Honorable Mention: “Heat Wave” by Bob Palmerton