Juror Sandy Stratil visited the Robeson Guild House and reviewed the entries for Hang the Halls Exhibition on Wednesday, November 15. The artwork was judged blind, with each piece identified only by number. Stratil awarded First, Second, and Third placements and two Honorable Mentions. She has also provided a brief critique for each piece in the exhibition and comments about the exhibit overall. Her critiques and comments will be published over the weekend after the Opening Reception.
Join us Thursday evening at 6:30 pm for the Opening Reception for the Hang the Halls Exhibition. There will be light refreshments and Champ St. Amand will provide music for the evening. You’ll also have an opportunity to get the first look at our decorations and some wonderful expressions of Holiday Spirit from our Members and Artists.
AWARDS
First Place
Irina Shin-Geller for Variations 42
Second Place
Jeffery Geller for Never Really Alone
Third Place
Jeffery Geller for Contrasting Textures 6
Honorable Mention
Kay Bradsher for Lakyn’s Wish
Irina Shin-Geller for Radiance
JUDGE’S COMMENTS
There’s a lot of really nice work here today. When I judge, mostly I’m looking for something very original, something that I wouldn’t see anywhere else. So, of course, that attracts me to the abstracts. Mainly, I’m looking for something that draws me in, catches my attention and holds my attention. It’s like a conversation between the artist and the viewer. And if the artist has succeeded in sending a message, then the viewer will see it and recognize “Okay, that’s great.”
I do want to point out that when anybody judges a show, it’s one person’s opinion on that particular day. No one should be hurt, although I understand the feeling. I’m an artist myself and I enter shows all the time. Sometimes I’m accepted, sometimes I’m not, and it never feels good to not be chosen.
– Sandy Stratil, Judge, Hang the Halls Exhibition, November 15, 2023
Note: Judging was done blind, with each piece identified by number only. No information about the artist, medium, or subject was provided. The name each piece and the name of the artist were added later, when the judge’s recorded comments were transcribed, with her permission.
#1 Christmas Treasures, Charlotte Thompson
Number one, with the dolls is well executed.
#2 Red Amore, Susie Brady
Number two, the flowers. I love the freshness; it gets my attention. Very nice.
#3 Lakyn’s Wish, Kay Bradsher
Number three, the child is very sensitive. It is well executed, but also it speaks to the personality of the child. It was very, it’s very emotional, I think.
#4 Joyous Noel, Kay Bradsher
Number four, the Christmas painting is very well executed, very skillful handling of materials.
#5 Peace Offerings, Lu Lewis
Number 5, the dove, is well executed.
#6 Vincent Van Gogh, Emma Risen
Number 6 of Van Gogh – clever use of Van Gogh style in a portrait of Van Gogh.
#7 Contrasting Textures, Jeffery Geller
Number seven is a unique design, interesting use of a subdued monochromatic palette with touches of bling.
#8 Lady Cardinal with Ivy Leaves, MM Anderson
Number eight – skillful handling, well executed, the eye is amazing.
#9 Coming Together, Bobbie Britt
Number nine, the large abstract, I love the freedom and adventurous spirit of this piece.
#10 Relief Figure, Jeffery Geller
This piece, this abstract mixed media, very clever use of materials.
#11 Sylvia Plath, Emma Risen
Number 11 is the black and white portrait. I love the fact that it is done in black and white, it really gets my attention. And it’s very sensitive. It’s not a terrifically realistic portrait, but this gets my attention more than something that is extremely realistic.
#12 Christmas Ornament Storage Case, Denise Siracusa
Number 12, this is a very inventive idea. Never seen anything quite like that. It’s very, very interesting.
#13 Squirrel with Holly, MM Anderson
Now number 13 is well-executed, skillful handling of the squirrel.
#14 Radiance, Irina Shin-Geller
Okay, the blue piece abstract – very original abstract design. I love the monochromatic palette with the addition of the gold, it really it really pops. Without the gold it would not be as successful, it really pulls your eye in there. And rather than using white or really light blue, I think the gold is just the right touch for that piece.
#15 Edgar Allen Poe, Emma Risen
Number 15 I believe is Edgar Allan Poe; I like the starkness of it. There’s an emotion about him that’s appealing and his gaze pulls me in.
#16 Des Fleurs, Lu Lewis
Number 16: Skillful handling well executed.
#17 Variations 42, Irina Shin-Geller
Number 17, the red abstract, such a wonderful design. The monochromatic palette is what makes it work so well in my opinion.
#18 Never Really Alone, Jeffery Geller
Number 18, the collage – very original, clever use of collage materials. It reminds me of Romare Bearden.
#19 Winter’s Breath, Lu Lewis
Number 19, the horse – I can feel the horses breath. So dramatic.
