BY MARY VINNEDGE
The Galveston Art League Gallery has reopened with a display of 97 contest entries that were accepted into the organization’s June Juried Show. This same artwork also is displayed online.
Visitors may view this exhibit in person at the Art League’s gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in Galveston, from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through June 28. In keeping with CDC guidelines, they will be asked to abide by physical distancing and wear protective masks during their gallery visit.
For those who are still staying in or prefer to shop from their sofas, the contest artwork is available for viewing and purchase around the clock at GalvestonArtLeague.com.
Most of these works are offered for sale although because they are part of a juried show they will not be available to take home until June 28. Online shoppers may make their purchases with a credit card, or, as outlined on the website, they may call or email to pay with a check or cash.
Delivery of online purchases will be made on a case-by-case basis: Art League members offer curbside pickup by appointment at the gallery on Postoffice, and local delivery is available for many pieces; shipping (which will incur an added cost) is offered for out-of-town buyers.
The judge for the June Juried Show was Nathan Dube, a Houston artist who specializes in metalwork. He evaluated dozens of artworks in five categories: works on paper, photographs, mixed-media wall-hung art, paintings on canvas and panel, and 3-D pieces such as sculpture, metalwork and art dolls.
Karen Lehr was awarded Best of Show for her watercolor, “Old Barn.” Other awards in the Works on Paper category are: first, Jackie LaFontaine, “Galveston Ferry — Remain in Vehicle”; second, Okie Anderson, “… make firm the feeble knees (Is 35:3)”; honorable mention, Mary Vinnedge, “Charming Chickadee.”
In Photography judging, first place went to Peter Bowman for “Sandstone Flame”; second, Matt Logmann, “Tango in Buenos Aires”; and honorable mention, Larry Parks, “Post Up.”
In the Works on Canvas or Panel category, first place went to Don Henderson for “Palms of Menard Park”; second, Richard Williams, “…and the Trees Woke”; and honorable mention, Jerry Bachman, “Beach Ball Ballet.”
In 3-D artworks: first, Marsha Krohn, “Bubblefish”; second, Cathie Schaet, “3 Wooden Treasure Box Set”; honorable mentions, Marilyn Huston, “I’m Free” and Nancy Graham, “Blown Home.”
In the category Mixed Media Wall-Hung: first, Beth Cunningham, “Aedes Albopictex (Tiger Mosquito)”; second: Paula Freeman, “This Story Begins with Handsoap”; and honorable mention, Lois Morton, “PaPa Bird.”
The Galveston Art League, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 1914, holds juried competitions as part of its mission to promote visual arts and art education in Galveston County and well beyond its borders. The Art League has never had a salaried employee on its staff; for instance, volunteer Sharon Jones is coordinator of juried shows such as the one currently on exhibit, which includes pieces by league members and non-members. The league depends on tax-deductible contributions and memberships to help it fulfill its mission and cover the costs of its downtown Galveston gallery. Both artists and non-artists and artists are invited to support the Art League by joining. Membership levels, benefits, and pricing are covered on GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Join”).
For more information about the Galveston Art League and its activities, visit the downtown Galveston gallery in person, check out the website, or email gallery2117@gmail.com.
