Colorado's Best Awards

The Lakewood Arts Gallery's Colorado's Best Exhibit brought out truly some of Colorado's best!  Represented artists were in attendance along with friends, family and First Friday Artwalkers out visiting the galleries along the 40West corridor.  They found laughter, lots of munchies, acoustic guitar by Charles Closen, an acrylic demo by Joel Wittliff and of course a beautiful and diverse selection of art to peruse.

Juror Jan Archuleta was in attendance and so enthusiastic and animated while handing out awards.  She gave very helpful information as to why she chose each piece.  Checks were received by grinning recipients and hopefully they spent them on gallery purchases!  Just another fun evening at the Lakewood Arts Gallery!

Juror Jan Archuleta hands out awards.                     

Artist Joel Wittlif demos Frida in acrylic.


Artist John Evans with his First Place award for his charcoal portrait, "Mata".  Here are the juror's comments as to why she chose his piece for first place, "The minute I saw this detailed drawing I wanted to look closer. I noticed that the full range of values were expertly used to capture the glow of the face, the delicate hands and soft texture of the clothing.  The values of greys in the background has a balance of unique shapes and nice lines.  I also like the glow of light grey behind and reflected on the woman's dark hat.  The face is wonderfully rendered!"


Artist Donna Sorensen with her pastel, "Afternoon Garden Party" which garnered a Second Place award. The juror said, "This small painting is exquisite.  It has strong design and use of light and shadow.  The bits of color are perfectly placed, and the highlights of white give the painting contrast and drama.  The painting is so lovely."


Artist Carol Broere with her raku dish titled, "Which Way".  Jurors comments: "Although I do not know exactly how this piece was made, it is full of creative design and beautiful color.  I appreciate the wavy edge of the dish and the surprising shapes and texture on the back.  Very impressive!"
 

Artist Karen Mahnken with her colored pencil piece, "Great Horned Owl".  Jan said of Karen's piece, "Not only is this colored pencil painting well drawn, the confident strokes of the feathers feel soft and alive.  The owl's golden eye holds the viewer's attention as though it is looking at you.  Very nice!"


Congratulations to all the award winners and artists in the Colorado's Best Show!  I should also mention that wandering into the 40West Gallery for their Transitions glass show, I discovered one of the LAC's member's with another award -- Congratulations to Leslie Bitgood for her piece, "Passages".


And just a silly tip for next time -- be sure to wear your white shirt if you want an award!