Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition

Art juror ‘impressed and inspired’ by MEA members’ work

MEA members entered more than 100 pieces of art for the 2013 MEA/Michigan Art Education Association Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition, with the “Best in Show” award going to Colleen Redfield, an education support professional from Stockbridge.

Redfield’s “Nightsight” took top honors “for its unique combination of expressiveness and attention to quality craftsmanship and artistic skill,” said art show juror Bob Reeker, a board trustee of the National Art Education Foundation and an educator in Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Neb.

In addition to Redfield’s piece, 22 other entries won awards. To view the award-winners, visit click here.

Reeker described “Nightsight” as the “juxtaposition of color and texture delivered on a collage piece that demands the viewer’s attention. The use of layering and intricate details makes ‘Nightsight’ an award winning piece — the unexpected pop of red in a sky of blue provided variety and a strong focal point.”

Reeker said he was “impressed and inspired” by the 102 entries, adding he was “struck with the diverse talent and personal narratives shared through the work of the artists.”

“What resonated the most with me was the power of the stories told through the art, along with the technical skill delivered to create expressive drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and three-dimensional work,” Reeker said. “Michigan should be proud of these artists who exhibit the love, compassion, and dedication it takes to share their amazing works.”

“Juror's Choice” awards went to the following:

• Karen Coville from Remus for “Deep in Thought,” acrylic
• Anne Dale Blair from Grand Rapids for “Engrossed,” etching/aquatint
• Mary Clare Duran from Detroit for “Masked Dolls Diptych,” mixed paper, cloth and clay
• David Dziedzic from Tecumseh for “Fatboy Reflection,” acrylic
• Lynn Gregg from Canton for “Wintery Ride,” photograph
• Terry Junger from Perry for “Walk in the Woods,” mixed media collage
• Marti Liddle-Lameti from Owosso for “Cancun,” needle felted wool and mixed fiber on net
• Carol Patrick from Lansing for “Time Warp,” photograph
• H. J. Slider from Caledonia for “School Bored,” assembled sculpture
• Danna Wolke Bowersox from Northville for “Why Are You Hiding?” copper, brass, bronze, silver and wood

The following entries were given honorable mention:

• E.A. Cryderman from Caledonia for “Panegyrique,” oil
• David Dziedzic from Tecumseh for “Sharkfins,” acrylic
• Jacqueline Edwards Lane from Detroit for “Unspoken,” encaustic
• Lynn Gregg from Canton for “Youthful Curiosity,” photograph
• Wendy McWhorter from Williamston for “Pyramid Point,” watercolor
• Keith Rayner from St. Clair Shores for “The Bookmaker,” paper sculpture
• Jamie Sandy from Traverse City for “Beach Shape,” photograph
• Jamie Sandy from Traverse City for “Spring Fort,” photograph
• Katie Schuur from Pleasant Ridge for “Venice,” colored pencil
• Carolyn Steenland from Newaygo for “Conga,” fused glass

Finally, Cheryl Gould of Morley won the MAEA Purchase Award for her watercolor “Great Blue Lobelia.” The award was given in honor of Jennifer Hurrle, MAEA's 2013 Teacher of the Year.