Dare County Arts Council in Manteo, NC, Announces “44th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show” Award Recipients

The “44th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show” opened at Dare County Arts Council’s Gallery in downtown Manteo, NC, on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Artist James Melvin carefully selected the following award recipients:

Eure Best In Show: Taylor Williams “Prevail” (oil)

Excellence Awards: Holly Nettles “Renewal” (oil), Michael Halminski “Farm Truck” (photography), Mike Rowe “My Octopus Friend” (recycled resin), and Fay Davis Edwards “A Day’s Work” (mixed media encaustic)

Honorable Mentions: Bob McCormick “Manteo” (photography), Jennings Mitchell “The Baiting” (photography), and John Bliven “Just Hold On” (photography)

“This show is an excellent body of work with so much diversity,” said judge James Melvin. “I selected Taylor Williams’ painting as the Best In Show piece because it encompasses what you look for in a great painting- composition, color and movement. It is super realistic, you can almost hear the waves crashing.”

This year’s Frank Stick Show features 105 entries from local and regional artists.

“I am extremely honored to have received Best In Show in the Frank Stick Show,” said artist Taylor Williams. “I know that it must have been a hard decision with all of the talented artists who submitted work. This piece was really special to me because I had the reference photo set aside for a long time before I painted it. When I finally decided to take on the challenge, I gave myself no time limit and included as many details as I could. I really enjoyed my time creating this piece, and I’m so grateful for the recognition.”

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the opening reception was postponed. In place of the opening reception, Dare County Arts Council will be hosting two evening viewings of the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show on Friday, February 18 and Thursday, February 24 from 5pm-7pm where people can come see the exhibit outside of regular gallery hours.

People who visit the exhibit can vote by ballot for the People’s Choice Award, which will be tallied at the end of the show. The People’s Choice award recipient will be announced on Dare County Arts Council’s website and social media.

The show will remain on display at the DCAC Gallery through Friday, February 25, 2022. The Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.

The Frank Stick Memorial Art Show is the longest running visual arts exhibit in Dare County, and is held in memory of Outer Banks preservationist and artist Frank Stick. A special thank you to Jane Webster, Beverly Perdue, Muse Originals OBX, Michael Halminski Photography, and KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios for sponsoring the “44th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show”.

Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.

For more information about this show or upcoming Dare County Arts Council events and exhibitions, please call 252/473-5558 or visit (DareArts.org).

Arts Center of Kershaw County in Camden, SC, Announces Winners of the Visual Arts Society Fall Show

The Visual Arts Society, an affiliate of the Arts Center of Kershaw County, in Camden, SC, held the opening of their fall show on November 18, 2021. This group of artists from across the county presented pieces from a variety of mediums including: oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, sculpture, photography, pottery, ceramics, and fabric art.

The following winners were announced:
First place: Carl Craighead, for “Congaree Swamp”, lithograph
Second place: James Rupert, for “The Chair”, plaster
Third place: Alice Brooks, for “Misty Morning”, oil

Honorable mentions included: “Isn’t She Cute” by Mary Ann Hurst, paper mâché; and “Spotted Lizard Walking Under a Spotted Moon” by Rand Rowe, pottery.

The show runs through Dec. 17, 2021 in the Bassett Gallery located on the Arts Center’s campus at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden, South Carolina and is open to the public Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The Bassett Gallery is sponsored by Van Horn Insurance.

For further info contact Stephanie Keel, Director of Marketing, by e-mail at (skeel@fineartscenter.org) or call 803/425-7676 x302.

Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee, NC, Receives Highest National Recognition

The Western Carolina University (WCU) Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center, in Cullowhee, NC, has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. American Alliance of Museums Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public.

Alliance Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for 50 years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable in order to provide the best possible service to the public.

Western Carolina University Chancellor, Dr. Kelli R. Brown, is honored the university has received this accreditation. “The hallmark of any great university is great cultural programs. We celebrate the WCU Fine Art Museum’s accreditation as a testament to WCU’s commitment to excellence in the arts.” Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only just over 1,080 of those museums are currently accredited, and out of that, only 16% are university museums. In addition, the WCU Fine Art Museum is one of only 28 museums accredited in North Carolina, and one of 3 accredited museums in the UNC system.

Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. The Alliance’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

Executive Director, Denise Drury Homewood began this process with a self-study in 2011 and has lead the 10 year effort. “The accreditation process has galvanized our ethics, honed our standards, and brought us closer to our audiences. This recognition is a result of the dedication and persistence of our incredible team of Museum professionals, along with the support from the WCU campus and regional community who believe in the power of the arts.” The WCU Fine Art Museum has been awarded a 10-year accreditation, the highest level of accreditation possible, holding the museum to the same standards as national landmarks like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Laura L. Lott, Alliance President and CEO. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.” Find a link to the full release from the American Alliance of Museums and more about this award by visit (arts.wcu.edu/accreditation).

Promoting and facilitating meaningful engagement with contemporary works of art and artists, the WCU Fine Art Museum, features four galleries, a growing permanent collection, and rotating exhibitions highlighting regional, national, and international artists. The WCU Fine Art Museum is part of Bardo Arts Center and is located on the WCU main campus at 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee, NC 28723. General hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 10am-4pm and Thursday until 7pm. Learn more about upcoming exhibitions and museum events at (arts.wcu.edu/museum) or by calling 828/227.ARTS.

The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 30,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance is the only organization representing the entire scope of the broad museum community. For more information, visit (www.aam-us.org).

Robert Maniscalco of Charleston, SC, is the Recipient of Three Prestigious Art Awards, so Far in 2021

Robert Maniscalco received the “Best in Show” award in “Our Rivers, Our Lakes” exhibition at Grosse Pointe Art Center, in Grosse Pointe, MI. The prize consists of a cash award or a one man exhibition at the Center. Maniscalco, a former Grosse Pointer and owner of the Maniscalco Gallery in GP, is now in the planning stages for his solo exhibition at the GPAC, probably in February, 2022. This will be a return of sorts, to the area.

The juror for “Our River, Our Lakes,” Sabrina Miller, an ecosystem biologist and wetland specialist for the US Army Corp of engineers for Detroit, was in tears as she concluded her juror talk with the “Best in Show” award for “Thirst,” as the conversation turned to the real purpose of water conservation. The exhibit is all the more poignant with recent flooding in Grosse Pointe, greatly effecting the GPAC, based at the GP War Memorial.

Maniscalco received the “Juror’s Award in Painting” at the 2021 MOJA Festival‘s juried exhibition at the City Gallery in Charleston, SC. His painting, “A Father’s Love” captured the eye of artist-juror, Andrea Hazel.

Maniscalco also received the “Award of Merit” in the 2021 “H2O” Mid-Atlantic National Juried Art Exhibition at the Virginia Beach Art Center, VA. His painting, “Beacon of Hope“ depicts a possible dystopian future, as a result of climate change. The juror was Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward of the Hampton University Museum.

These three awards are consecutive, which is highly unusual in the art world. “I’m happy to say I’m three for three so far in 2021, as far as competitions go.” Of course Robert knows this is a fluke. Normally, an artist enters numerous competitions with an occasional win. But Robert is on a roll in 2021. “I don’t know if the ‘Rule of 3’s’ applies in this case. I hope not. I’d like to continue the streak but I’m prepared to accept that art is a highly subjective enterprise. One juror’s best of show might be rejected in another show. In my career, I have lost far more than I’ve won. As an artist I must constantly remind myself that rejection does not equal failure.” Robert does not see fine art as a competitive sport, realizing at the same time, awards such as these are essential to an artists success in the real world. He discusses his positive attitude in his recent book, also published this year. “The Power of Positive Painting” has become a #1 Amazon Bestseller!

Each one of these paintings are part of The Quench Project, which began with a vision trip to Haiti and has taken the artist all over the world. The next addition to TQP will be in a collaboration with Emite, a water provider to remote areas in Africa. More information on that soon.

Contact: Robert Maniscalco by e-mail at (robert@maniscalcogallery.com), call 313/689-2993 or visit (https://www.maniscalcogallery.com).

Gibbes Museum of Art and Society 1858 in Charleston, SC, Calls for Application From Artists For The 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art – Deadline Oct. 15, 2021

The 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art awards $10,000 to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. Presented annually, the 1858 Prize recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement in any media. The Gibbes encourages both emerging and nationally recognized artists of all backgrounds to apply and is committed to cultivating an award that is diverse and affirming.

In addition to the monetary award, the 2021 Prize Winner will be invited to present one artwork in the Museum’s galleries during 2022 (selected in collaboration with the Curatorial Department) as well as a Visiting Artist residency opportunity in 2022 or 2023.

Artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are eligible to apply. The deadline is Oct. 15, 2021.

Applications are accepted exclusively through Slideroom at (https://www.1858prize.org/how-to-apply/).

The 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art is presented by Society 1858, a member auxiliary group of the Gibbes Museum of Art. This group of dynamic young professionals supports the Gibbes Museum with social and educational programs tailored for up-and-coming art patrons.

To learn more about membership in Society 1858, please click this link (https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/become-a-member/#society-1858).

Arts Council of York County in Rock Hill, SC, Announces Results of Their Annual Juried Competition

The Arts Council of York County presented the awards for the “32nd Annual Juried Competition” at a free, public reception at the Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC, on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021. Works accepted to the “Juried Competition” are currently on exhibition in the Dalton Gallery at the Center for the Arts through Sept. 3, 2021.

Each year, the “Annual Juried Competition” is open internationally to artists 18 and older. Only original work, created in the last two (2) years, and not previously shown in the Dalton Gallery at the Center for the Arts is accepted. All forms of media are eligible, including video.

There were 182 entries by 78 artists from 21 cities and 3 states submitted to the “32nd Annual Juried Competition”. Of those entries, Juror Amy Chalmers selected 35 works for exhibition.

Amy Chalmers is the Art Curator at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, SC, where she oversees the Museum’s collection of over 5,000 pieces of art related to South Carolina. She is originally from Spartanburg, SC, where she received her BA in Art History and French. Before returning to her home state, she earned her MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University, taught at the Columbus College of Art & Design, and spent three years at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at the Ohio State University. She specializes in illustration, sequential art, and print media.

Awards were presented to:
Gerald and Barbara Schapiro Best of Show: “Pit of My Stomach, Back of My Mind” by Adrian Rhodes | Hartsville, SC
1st Place: “Collections No. 56” by Joana Wardell | Charlotte, NC
2nd Place: “Vessel No. 386” by Lee Sipe | Columbia, SC
3rd Place: “Venice Puppet-Shop Window” by Coleman Tharpe | Rock Hill, NC
Honorable Mention: “Zoar Road” by Ella Mackinson | Charlotte, NC
Honorable Mention: “Happenstance” by Lynn Schilling | Fort Mill, SC
Honorable Mention: “Shovel Tail Crane” by Randy Swanson | Fort Mill, SC
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards are sponsored by Kathy and Larry Wilson.

Kathy and Larry Wilson sponsor the “Juried Competition” in honor of Elizabeth Louise Dunlap Patrick. Elizabeth Louise Dunlap Patrick, a Rock Hill native, was born in Feb. 1936 in Rock Hill. Patrick was an avid supporter of the arts. She gave freely of her time and patronage to the Arts Council; served on the Gallery Committee and underwrote the awards for the annual “Juried Competition” for nearly ten years. She was a generous and ardent participant at the annual art auctions for many years, and she collected pottery from North and South Carolina potters whose work she championed. She also sponsored activities and events for the Yorkville Artist Guild. She supported her alma mater, Winthrop University, serving on alumni boards and reunion committees. Because of her generous support of the arts at Winthrop, the Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery was named in her honor in 1999. Also, Patrick was among the first group of honorees for the Medal of Honor for the Arts. Kathy Wilson continues her mother’s legacy by sponsoring the Arts Council’s Juried Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place.

For COVID-19 Visitation Guidelines visit (https://www.yorkcountyarts.org/visit). In adherence with CDC recommendations, face masks are encouraged for all while visiting the Center for the Arts and Tom S. Gettys Center. Face masks are required for all those who are not vaccinated. This policy may be revised as CDC guidelines change.

The Center for the Arts is located at 121 East Main Street, in the Cultural District of Downtown Rock Hill.

All winning images can be downloaded from (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/958xtwvx7f28on4/AAC3_qd9OPGkdbRb316Qji1na?dl=0).

The Arts Council is headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, a state-recognized cultural district. For more information on Arts Council events, contact the Arts Council of York County at 803/328-2787, by e-mail at (arts@yorkcountyarts.org), or visit (http://www.yorkcountyarts.org).

Arts Council of York County in Rock Hill, SC, Announces Awards and Honors for “44th Annual Arts Celebration”

The Arts Council of York County in Rock Hill, SC, held its “44th Annual Arts Celebration” on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, during which, some of our most dedicated members and supporters were recognized. Two exhibits were on display in the galleries at the Center for the Arts during the Annual Celebration: “SUPERimpose”, featuring works by Katherine Kesey and Michael Sorrow in the Dalton Gallery; and “The Perfect Pair”, featuring works by Rebecca Jacobs in the Perimeter Gallery.

During the “Annual Celebration”, the Arts Council presented the nominations for new Board members, and outgoing Board members were recognized for their service to the Arts Council. Visitors were able to view a presentation featuring highlights from the 2020-2021 programming year and were given a sneak preview of the Arts Council’s Art Box Fundraiser.

BEN ARDREY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD went to John Nipe

Through his involvement with the Rock Hill Theatre and local music, John Nipe is a vital member of the arts in York County. He is a selfless leader who always goes the extra mile to make sure things are done precisely. Serving as the Vice President of the Rock Hill Theatre, Musical Director, and Technical Producer for many productions, Nipe’s passion and expertise has allowed the RHT to achieve exponential growth over the past few years. John’s work with the RHT have not gone unnoticed. He earned two Metrolina Theatre Awards nominations for his contributions to the RHT’s production of “Annie” in 2018.

His contributions extend beyond the theatre. Nipe is also works with Concerts at the Courtroom to mix sound for the Sidebar Sessions live music series, and he runs audio for area churches and schools. Through his business, Noise by John, he works in audio engineering and music production, producing recordings for local bands like GASP and Motel Glory. In the midst of the pandemic, John also began working in video production, adding another skill to this already talented member of the York County arts community. It is because of his commitment to the success of local theatre and music that John Nipe was named the 2021 Ben Ardrey Volunteer of the Year.

BUSINESS & THE ARTS AWARD went to Slow Play Brewing

A favorite local place to hang out with friends, Slow Play Brewing means so much more to the York County community. Serving as an incubator space for food trucks, an art gallery, and a spot where locals know they can always hear fantastic local music on the weekends, Slow Play Brewing is committed to the success of small businesses. They also give back to the community through their monthly featured charities, and through donations to area nonprofits for fundraisers and events. It is because of their dedication and commitment to our community through partnerships with area nonprofits, support of local artists, and dedication to creating a space for everyone to enjoy that Slow Play Brewing was named the 2021 Business and the Arts Award recipient.

The Arts Council is headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, a state-recognized cultural district. For more information on Arts Council events, contact the Arts Council of York County at 803/328-2787, by e-mail to (arts@yorkcountyarts.org), or visit our webpage at (http://www.yorkcountyarts.org).

Arts Council of Carteret County in Morehead City, NC, Announces Winners of the “31st Annual Art From The Heart Competition”

Over 200 entries were received for this year’s “Art From The Heart Show and Sale”. We are so happy with the turnout especially during this last year of quarantine and sheltering in place. It’s apparent our artists stayed busy!

ACCC established three entry categories this year – Photography, Non-Photography, and Three-Dimensional. An Award of Excellence and two Honorable Mentions were decided by our judges for each category. The listing of the winners follows.

MEET THE JUDGES….
ACCC is very proud and honored to have the assistance of the four Carteret County High School Visual Arts Instructors to judge the 2021 Art From The Heart Show.

Amber Swanger • West Carteret High School
Catherine Olander • West Carteret High School
Jody Stouffer • Croatan High School
Michael Rhinehardt • East Carteret High School

Thank you to all of these amazing instructors, and artists, for making the “31st Annual Art From The Heart” show a very special event for the artists, the community, and the Arts Council. Be sure to see their own work on display.

AND THE WINNERS ARE….
Congratulations to these fine artists. Download the official AFTH Program which includes images of the winning art as well as a complete listing of all artist’s entries.

Photography Awards:
Award of Excellence – Beth Kohutek for “There was a Garden”

Honorable Mention – Patrick Poindexter for “Blackened Shad”

Honorable Mention – David Vogt for “Into the Void”

Non-Photography Awards”
Award of Excellence – Heather Sink for “On the Moove”

Honorable Mention – Brook Penick for “Apple”

Honorable Mention – Irene Bailey for “Multicultural Play Date”

Three-Dimentional Awards:
Award of Excellence – Catherine Thornton for “Three Best Friends”

Honorable Mention – Roxanne Kitty for “They Crucify Ourselves Every Day”

Honorable Mention – Kay Jarrett for “Wallking the Croatan”

Congratulations to local artist Vicky White for winning the People’s Choice award for the third year in a row for “Wading in Paradise”

For further information call 252/726-9156 or visit (www.artscouncilcarteret.org).

City of Charleston, SC, Announces Winners of the “2021 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition”

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents our “2021 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition”, on view May 28 – June 13, 2021. Due to the ongoing situation related to COVID-19 in South Carolina, City Gallery guests are requested to reserve in advance for free, timed admission online via (www.charleston-sc.gov/citygallery) or by phone by calling the gallery during business hours. Face masks are requested of all guests.

The annual juried art exhibition highlights the recent work of artists across South Carolina featuring painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography. Artworks receiving prizes are presented alongside a limited selection of pieces identified by the juror as meriting display.

Let’s congratulate the following “Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition” winners:

Best in Show – “Deject” by James Johnson

Best Painting – “Soiree” by John Kenney

Best Screenprint – “Dixter Lawn” by Robin Childers

Best Drawing – “Can You Hear Me?” by Elizabeth Northcutt Williams

Best Sculpture – “History is Now And Us” by Annie Rhodes Lee

Best Photograph – “Pandemic Sunrise” by Kathleen Pompe

Dontre Major was this year’s Juror, Major, originally from Oklahoma, moved to Charleston in 2015 where he graduation from the College of Charleston’s Studio Art program with a concentration in photography. While attending CofC, he was accepted to show in the juried “Young Contemporaries Exhibitions” in 2016, 2017, 2018; in the 2018 show he won two awards the Norton M. Seltzer Prize and The Laura M. Bragg Memorial Award as well as receiving the title Best in Show. After graduation, in 2018, Major was also a part of the Charleston Gaillard Center “Prints in Clay” exhibition which focused on the history of enslaved Africans and the fingerprints they left behind. In 2019, he also showed work in the “Enhancing African Descendant Identity through Community Engagement and DNA Analysis,” which was a project in collaboration between The Gullah Society and Redux Contemporary Art Center.

Invited artists for this year’s exhibition include: Leslie Alexander, Elaine Berlin, Pascale Bilgis, Chris Bilton, Joanna Biondolillo, Mikki Blackman, Kelvin Blufton, Vernon Bowen, Sandra Brett, Pamela Brooks, Laura Burcin, Christine Bush Roman, Karole Turner Campbell, Bradley Carroll, Alfred Casciato, Alfred Champy, Robin Childers, MC Churchill-Nash, JD Clark, Shelby Corso, Townsend Davidson, Sonny Dugal, Lynn Dugan, Morgan East, Pamela Eccles, Wilanda Ellis, Prentiss Findlay, John Foehl, Andrew Frye, Lee Garrard, LySandra Gathers, Rosemary Giusti Dillon, Sheila Grabarsky, Bob Graham, Gena Grant, Susan C. Gregory, Lyssa Harvey, Steven Hazard, Katie Heatley, Ted Henderer, Joanna Henry, Kirsten Hoving, Peggy Howe, Becky Hurwitz, Susan Irish, Anne M. Jennings, Carla Johannesmeyer, James Johnson, Celeste Joye, Jan Kelley, John Kenney, Alana Knuff, Christopher Lane, Louanne LaRoche, Annie Rhodes Lee, Melanee Lenora, Suzanne Leonard, Ann Ludlow, Jim Macko, Kate Martinez, Jeanne Mays, Doug McAbee, Judy McSween, Kevin Morrissey, CC Newkirk, Brenda Orcutt, Nancy Perry, Jacob Podber, Kathleen Pompe, Greg Rawls, Lynn Riding, Kate Ritchie, Francis Sills, Marian Smith, Laura Liberatore Szweda, Stuart Tessler, Diana Vincent, Simone Voelker, Nancy Warren, Elizabeth Northcut Williams, and Gia Rose Winchester.

For further information contact the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs by calling 843/724-7305 or e-mail to (CulturalAffairs@charleston-sc.gov).

2021 North Charleston Arts Fest Visual Arts – Fine Art Show

The “2021 Judged Fine Art Competition & Exhibition” was on display at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston, SC, in Exhibit Hall A – like I said in my previous post, not the best conditions to photograph art works. I’m almost 70 so I’m not able to adjust my body to bend in a way to take images of works that are hung below eye level, so most of the images I took look out of proportion and crooked. I didn’t get to take as many photos either as I’ve never been so interrupted by people and as I mentioned in my first post about the Craft show, I was short on time.

I like talking to people – too much, and can easily be distracted, so when I started hearing things like: “You shouldn’t photograph other people’s artwork”, then it would be, “Are you with the press, my work is over there” and the worst was, “Hey Tom, what are you doing here?”. Which I don’t understand as I might have missed one of these shows in the last 20 years. And, some just wanted to let me know what they were up to as if I was a gossip columnist for some arts publication. I had a pretty big mask on, but it did no good. There must me something about my body shape that tips people off. I wonder what it is? Anyway, I didn’t get to do what I usually do with all the distractions and shortage of time. I’m sorry about that to the artists I didn’t get – so you can think I didn’t get to take a photo of your work (which I liked very much) if you were in that show because someone had to ask me, what I was doing and why I was there.

OK, for the official results. The show was judged by Greg Colleton, Executive Director of Yo Art! Inc. in Charleston, SC, who will decided where the cash prizes totaling up to $6,550 went. Here’s his selections:


Work by Bob Graham

Best in Show – Bob Graham, watercolor, “The Bunk House”
Outstanding Merit – Emil Hristov, acrylic, “Bill Murray”
Best in Oil – Maura Condon, “Foliage”
Best in Acrylic – Kelly Kernich, “All Smiles”
Best in Drawing – Bob Graham, “Curtis Nemo Texas”
Best in Pastel – Trish Emery, “Cluster’s Last Stand”
Best in Watercolor – Jazzy Jordon, “Marshall Mae”
Best inn Mixed Media – Kate Ritchie, “Echoes From the Void”
Best Printmaking – Luke Walchuk, “Stele”
Best in Printed New Media – Carson Carroll, “Trash and Seek 1”
Best in Portrait/Figure – Dan Diehl, drawing, “Raw”
Best in Landscape – Brad Carroll, oil, “Rua de Sant’ Ana”
Best Still Life/Interior – Steven Jordan, watercolor, “Bottoms Up”
Best Animal/Wildlife – Richard Rose, acrylic, “Bad Hair Day”
Best Abstract/Experimental – Anne T. Nielsen, oil, “Deciphering Humanity”
Honorable Mention – Karyn Healey, oil, “Hello Beautiful”
Honorable Mention – Linda Wasielewski, oil “Legacy”
Honorable Mention – Austin Reynolds, oil, “Saint of Nature’s Love”
Honorable Mention -Don Roberts, watercolor, “No. 10 Meeting”
Honorable Mention – Sean Patrick, mixed media, “Vandal”
Honorable Mention -Tasmeen Dugal, mixed media, “Black Lives Matter”
Honorable Mention -Catherine Townsend, pastel, “The Best Medicine”
Honorable Mention – Alvin B. Glen, pastel, “Boy With Fowl”
Honorable Mention – Matt Cook, printmaking, “The Lookout”
Honorable Mention – Mary Brigman, pastel, “Evening Glow”

Typing that up reminded me of a small guild show where they have a prize for every member of the guild, but there were over a hundreds entries. This was much better than a guild show – there were a lot of great works by some of the Lowcountry’s best artists. But, in some ways this is Bob Graham’s show. I can’t remember a year when he didn’t get the Best in Drawing award and many years Best of Show. With so many different judges each year, it really says something about his skill. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have a local judge who may know some of the artists, but local artists have never treated this show with much interest. Either there is not enough award money offered, a little snobbery about the show being in North Charleston, or they are saving their works for the upcoming (later in May) “Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibit”, which is held in a better location. But not many of the Lowcountry’s best artists enter this competition. But that doesn’t take anything away from the winners, as with all juried shows and competitions, the judge or juror can only select from what is entered.

Here’s what I was lucky to take photos of:


Work by Bob Graham


Work by Dan Diehl


Work by Kelly Kernich


Work by Maura Condon


Work by Shelia Thompson

For more information about Palmetto Hands and the 2021 North Charleston Arts Fest, visit (www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com).