Arts & Entertainment
Artists take honors at Open Juried Art Show
Peninsula Art League’s 20th annual Open Juried Art Show is on display at the history museum through Oct. 28.
The show features 100 artworks from artists throughout the U.S.
Well-known pastel painter Teresa Saia juried the show and selected most of the artworks that received awards.
Best of Show
The Best of Show ribbon went to Woodinville painter Brandy Agun for her oil painting called “Making Frames.” Saia called the artwork “a beautiful combination of abstract and contemporary realism. It’s so ‘her own’ and it’s not just beautifully rendered and composed; there’s so much depth – and her technique is just fabulous.”
“Making Frames” by Brandy Agun, winner of the Best of Show award.
First prize in the 2-D (painting) category was awarded to Gig Harbor artist Lynda Lindner’s pastel painting of two young girls on the seashore. Lindner calls the painting “Tideline Treasures.”
“Tideline Treasure,” by Lynda Linder, won first prize in the 2D (painting) category.
Lakewood sculptor Stephenie Cardinal won the first place 3D ribbon for her “Wind Spirit,” carved from Nevada green soapstone.
“This is such an elegant artwork,” Saia said in presenting the award. “It feels as though it’s about to unwind from its solid base and fly off into the wind.”
“Wind Spirit,” by Stephenie Cardinal, won the 3D ribbon.
The photography prize went to Richard Kohler of Port Angeles for a black and white photo, “Boulder and Sierras,” shot in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
“There’s such power in this photograph. The composition is fabulous and the lighting is just beautiful,” Saia said.
“Boulder and Sierras,” by Richar Kohler, 1st place in photography.
‘Fishing Village’ wins 3 awards
Charles Salak, Gig Harbor, won three awards for his oil painting called “Fishing Village.” He won the PAL President’s award, the Pacific Ocean Graphics award and the Gig Harbor Now Board of Directors’ award presented.
“This painting is so beautifully executed,” Saia said. “But what really grabs you, in addition to the depth in the piece, are all the tiny details.”
“Fishing Village,” by Charles Salak, winner of the PAL President’s award, the Pacific Ocean Graphics award and the Gig Harbor Now Board of Directors’ award
Bremerton Artist Anna Hoey also won multiple awards: she won the Gig Harbor Arts Commissioners’ Choice ribbon for “Just Before Dark,” a larger-than-life pencil drawing of a cat’s face, and the Lynda Baker Creative Arts award for a multi-media piece called “The Harmony of Boldness.”
Other awards went to Karen Petrillose (Lakewood); Mary Schumaker (Tacoma); Lea Lazarus (Gig Harbor); Jim Hallenbeck (Raleigh, North Carolina); Steve Chan (Clackamas, Oregon); Molly Murrah (Kirkland); Lewis LaBrashe (Gig Harbor); Linda Tilley (Port Townsend); Doreen Koch-Allen (Edgewood), and Chris Bronstad (Gig Harbor).
“Just Before Dark,” by Anna Hoey, won the Gig Harbor Arts Commission award.
One award left to announce
Winners split more than $6,000 in prize money. In addition to winning the Best of Show award, artist Brandy Agun will also have a solo showing of her work at the museum in 2023, according to Museum Director Stephanie Lile.
“There are so many fabulous pieces in this show,” Saia, the show juror, said. “And you’re so fortunate to have this gorgeous museum and community center to host it.”
One more award – the People’s Choice – will be announced on Oct. 29, after the show closes. Visitors vote for their favorite artwork to receive that award.
The museum is located at 4121 Harborview Drive. Hours are Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Admission is free.