Best of Show, sponsored by exhibit host First Financial Bank, was awarded to “The Sentinel” by Steve Harrold of Terre Haute, member of River City Art Association and Wabash Valley Art Guild.
Harrold’s oil-based painting met all exhibit judge Rhonda Yochum’s criteria “and more” for Best of Show in RCAA’s 17th Annual Juried Art Exhibit in First Financial Bank Plaza, downtown Terre Haute.
Yochum, a retired Vigo County School Corp. art educator with degrees in photography and fine arts from Indiana State and Indiana universities, said his painting “exemplified all the criteria that creates an outstanding piece of art.
“His use of craftsmanship with dedication to the task, creative expression and accurate observation of details stood out among the group.
“A culminating work of the elements and principles of art leads the observer’s eye to reflect into the depth of the subject matter presented.
“His technique and painting style is expressive and impressionistic mastery.”
Yochum also selected 24 other exhibit entries for honors at the Aug. 1 opening reception and awards ceremony. Complimenting all artists on their professionalism, she noted, “Your work is fresh and highly exceptional.”
The exhibit of 90 works by 32 Wabash Valley artists is on display through Aug. 28 during regular banking hours.
Award winners will be featured in September in the lobby of First Financial Bank’s Springhill location. Also, the People’s Choice Award, determined by votes by bank patrons through Aug. 28, will be announced and included in the September exhibit.
First Place winners are Donna Pomfret for “Yellow Trees in the Mountains” in water-based painting, Christel Gutelius for “Rollin’ In” in oil-based painting, Todd Stokes for “Well Rooted” in mixed media, Pamela Burroughs for “Saved! Thanks Noah” in drawing, Mike Lunsford for “Art Appreciation” in photography, and Johanna Ochs for “The Biggest, Bestest Fish, Guaranteed!” in the digital art category.
Second Place winners are Jo Rich-Vadas for “Yucca, After the Rain” in water-based painting and “Just Opening Up” in oil-based painting, Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo for “The Amazon Rainforest Turning into a Carbon Dioxide Emitter Due to Deforestation” in photography, Michael Stevenson for “Crossroads and Intersections” in mixed media, Pamela Burroughs for “The Other Twin” in drawing, and Sheila K. Ter Meer for “Clowning Around” in digital art.
Third Place winners are Maria Deis for “Autumnal Fields” in water-based painting, Mary Mayhew for “Out of the Shadows” in oil-based painting, Todd Stokes for “Starburst Bloom” in photography, Michael Stevenson for “Seeing Red” in mixed media, Jan McVay for “Jennifer” in drawing, and Madison King for “She, the Night” in digital art.
Honorable Mention winners are Madison King for “The Shadows” in drawing, Johanna Ochs for “Waiting, the Story of a Shelter Dog” in digital art, Jo Rich-Vadas for “Transformation” in mixed media, Ebbie McInerney for “Bakersfield” in photography, Donna Pomfret for “The Perfect Couple” in water-based painting and Christel Gutelius for “Spring Bluebells” in oil-based painting.
Another recognition at the annual juried art exhibit is the Artists Choice Award which is determined from votes by artists attending the opening reception. Gutelius’ first-place painting “Rollin’ In” also received this award, sponsored by MuseArt Terre Haute.
Other participating artists in the exhibit include Edith Acton, Willa Barksdale, Debra Butler, Shelley Crouch, Ann Cunningham, Shayla Fish, Sandy Fisher, Mark Flinn, David Gill, Diana Hews, Wayne Ilderton, Jennifer Minnis, Suzanne Overton, Jerry Schooley, Elise Spaid-Roberts and Kris Toney.
River City Art Association 