6-30-2024 4:49am

Studio B Announces Art Award Winners in "I AM: Proud" Exhibit

Lesley Misko Editor

Landscape designer and juror for Studio B's I AM: Proud" exhibit awarded artist Nicole McGonigal for her mixed media "Puppy Snooze."

by Jane Stahl

Scott Rothenberger, owner of PLACE landscape design, and juror for Studio B's "I AM: Proud" exhibit, was inspired by a mixed media piece by artist Nicole McGonigal and awarded the piece "Best in Show."

Scott loved Nicole's technique and the scale of the dog commandeering the main stage in this composition, but he also found the subject fit the exhibit's theme, noting, "Dogs are God's gift of unconditional love and the relationship with a dog is certainly a source of pride. This piece is a really great way to represent this fact. The piece is beautifully crafted."

Scott found Annalie Hudson's painting "Porto" one that would most likely end up in his home, commenting, " What a great use of color."

Of Pat Bechtel's painting "Climb the Highest Mountain," Scott was awed. "Really exciting technique. Plus, the piece expresses the feeling of reaching the highest point as rays of light reach to the heavens. This experience can be seen in our lives literally as climbing a real mountain or metaphorically when we feel pride in reaching any and all goals."

Remarking on Dan Gaumer's painting of farm fields, he found beauty in Dan's use of color and proportions offering an unusual look at the countryside, showcasing beauty in life's simple creations.

Scott found fun and great control of the canvas in Cyndi Arnold's "Jump and Jive." He remarked on her "clean and crisp" work of art using limited colors demonstrating her awareness of knowing when to walk away.

Scott described "Dogwoods," a watercolor by the late Sandy Wood, "a beautifully crafted composition and colors that express a perfect, soft feeling." He added, "You can tell it is created by a seasoned artist."

Joe Szimhart's "Lion with Toy Sphinx" fit the exhibit's theme in its reference to being proud as a lion. "The execution, great colors and the lion's eyes draw you in from across the room; and then, when you get there, there's a playfulness and whimsy of the toy sphinx."

Studio B is grateful to Scott for sharing his thoughts about each selection. In addition, in a gesture of appreciation for the artists' skills and abilities to inspire, Scott added to the studio's award amounts--doubling the monetary value of each award.

Visit Studio B Art Gallery on Saturdays and Sundays 12-2 p.m. or by appointment. Text or email Jane: 610-563-7879, janeEstahl@comcast.net to make arrangements.