Vero Beach artists have once again made their mark in the art world, showcasing their exceptional talent at the 43rd annual A.E. Backus Museum's Best of the Best Juried Exhibition. This prestigious exhibition, known as the longest running juried exhibition on the Treasure Coast, features a diverse selection of artworks from artists across the region. With nearly one-third of the selected artists hailing from Vero Beach, it is clear that this vibrant artistic community has much to offer. Let's delve into the captivating artworks and discover the award-winning pieces that caught the judges' attention.
Vero Beach Artists' Strong Presence
Vero Beach artists make a significant impact at the A.E. Backus Museum's Best of the Best Juried Exhibition
Vero Beach artists have once again proven their artistic prowess, making a strong presence at the 43rd annual A.E. Backus Museum's Best of the Best Juried Exhibition. With nearly one-third of the selected artists hailing from Vero Beach, it is evident that this vibrant artistic community has a wealth of talent to offer.
Their exceptional artworks captivated the judges, showcasing the diversity and creativity that Vero Beach artists bring to the table. Let's explore some of the standout pieces that caught the attention of both the judges and art enthusiasts.
Best of Show: Angela Leggio's 'Nuts'
Angela Leggio's captivating oil painting wins the prestigious Best of Show award
Angela Leggio's oil painting, titled 'Nuts,' emerged as the Best of Show winner at the exhibition. This captivating artwork features an adorable red squirrel clutching an acorn protectively, with a mischievous glint in its eyes.
The perspective of the painting provides a unique squirrel's eye view, looking up from the bottom of the tree. Leggio's skillful brushwork and attention to detail truly bring the squirrel to life, capturing its playful and curious nature.
With this exceptional piece, Leggio has showcased her talent and creativity, deserving the recognition and accolades bestowed upon her.
Director's Choice: Marylou Mullan's 'Vanishing Grove #61'
Marylou Mullan's modernist painting earns the Director's Choice award
Marylou Mullan's painting, 'Vanishing Grove #61,' caught the attention of the exhibition's director and earned her the prestigious Director's Choice award. This acrylic painting exudes a modernist aesthetic, presented in an antique, European-style frame.
The interlocked branches in the painting evoke a sense of symbolism, reminiscent of the works of renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Charles Burchfield. Mullan's unique blend of modernism and old-world charm makes this piece a standout in the exhibition.
Her attention to detail and the captivating composition of the painting truly make it a deserving recipient of the Director's Choice award.
Varied Techniques: Dawn Miller's Soulful Portrait
Dawn Miller's soulful pastel portrait wins First Place in the Varied Techniques category
Dawn Miller's pastel portrait, titled 'Where Am I? Are you There?,' stood out among the entries in the Varied Techniques category, earning her the First Place award. This soulful artwork depicts the illuminated face of a woman gazing reflectively into the distance.
Miller's delicate use of chalk lines and subtle shading brings out the depth and emotion in the subject's face. The contrast between the illuminated features and the solid black background adds to the overall impact of the piece.
The judges were captivated by the dramatic and thought-provoking nature of Miller's portrait, making it a deserving winner in its category.
Oil/Acrylics: Anna Jo Vahle's 'Reminiscing'
Anna Jo Vahle's acrylic painting captures a nostalgic moment and wins First Place in the Oil/Acrylics category
Anna Jo Vahle's acrylic painting, titled 'Reminiscing,' took First Place in the Oil/Acrylics category. The artwork portrays two gentlemen seated at a table, evoking a sense of nostalgia and contemplation.
With meticulous brushwork and attention to detail, Vahle brings out the character and emotions of the subjects. The composition and use of colors create a captivating scene that invites viewers to imagine the stories and memories being shared between the two individuals.
Vahle's ability to capture a poignant moment in time makes 'Reminiscing' a deserving winner in the Oil/Acrylics category.
Watercolor: Therese Ferguson's 'Corkscrew Palm'
Therese Ferguson's vibrant watercolor wins First Place in the Watercolor category
Therese Ferguson's watercolor painting, titled 'Corkscrew Palm,' claimed First Place in the Watercolor category. This vibrant artwork showcases a collection of vertically oriented leaves in various shades of green.
Ferguson's skillful use of color and attention to detail bring the palm leaves to life, creating a visually striking and captivating piece. The judges were immediately drawn to the beauty and elegance of 'Corkscrew Palm,' making it a standout in its category.
With this exceptional watercolor painting, Ferguson demonstrates her mastery of the medium and her ability to create visually stunning artworks.
Three-Dimensional: Jack Shelton's 'Work in Mahogany'
Jack Shelton's exquisite wood carving wins First Place in the Three-Dimensional category
Jack Shelton's wood carving, titled 'Work in Mahogany,' claimed First Place in the Three-Dimensional category. Shelton, a master wood turner, showcased his exceptional craftsmanship and skill in this exquisite piece.
The intricate details and the natural beauty of the mahogany wood are evident in Shelton's work. The judges were captivated by the artistry and precision of the carving, recognizing Shelton's talent and expertise.
'Work in Mahogany' stands as a testament to Shelton's dedication to his craft and his ability to transform wood into a work of art.
Conclusion
The A.E. Backus Museum's Best of the Best Juried Exhibition has once again showcased the exceptional talent of Vero Beach artists. With their strong presence and captivating artworks, these artists have proven their ability to captivate both the judges and art enthusiasts.
From Angela Leggio's Best of Show-winning oil painting 'Nuts' to Marylou Mullan's Director's Choice-winning modernist piece 'Vanishing Grove #61,' each award-winning artwork tells a unique and compelling story.
Dawn Miller's soulful pastel portrait 'Where Am I? Are you There?' and Anna Jo Vahle's nostalgic acrylic painting 'Reminiscing' demonstrate the depth of talent in the Varied Techniques and Oil/Acrylics categories. Therese Ferguson's vibrant watercolor 'Corkscrew Palm' and Jack Shelton's exquisite wood carving 'Work in Mahogany' showcase the mastery of their respective mediums in the Watercolor and Three-Dimensional categories.
These artists' exceptional works of art not only highlight their individual skills but also contribute to the vibrant and thriving art community in Vero Beach. The A.E. Backus Museum's Best of the Best Juried Exhibition continues to be a platform for artists to showcase their talent and creativity, fostering a sense of artistic growth and appreciation.