Peggy Kingsbury’s painting, “Dressed in White,” took Best of Show at the Galveston Art League’s fall juried competition. Her impressionist oil painting is one of 108 entries accepted into the contest. Each of the accepted artworks are being exhibited by the Art League at 2117A Postoffice St., 12:00pm to 6:00pm Fridays-Sundays in September. The competition, with nonmember and league member artists competing, had 125 total entries.
Jackie Liddell won the McGivney Purchase Award for the painting “Galveston Ghost Ship.” The Rosenberg Library will add the watercolor to its permanent collection. This award is dedicated to an artwork depicting an aspect of Galveston life or history.
The contest had six art categories, with first- and second-place awards and honorable mentions given within each category.
In the canvas or panel category, Janie O’Farrell took first for “Desert Blooms.” Second went to Leroy LeFlore for “A Wilson’s Plover.” Honorable mentions: Jerry Bachman, “Hummingbird’s Sunset”; Malu Garza, two pieces, “Italian Countryside” and “New Discoveries”; Lisette McClung, “Guardian Angel”; Leroy LeFlore, “Galveston Vista”; Kathy Hammond, “Waiting to Launch”; and Sherri Harris, two pieces, “Passages” and “Sojourn.”
Among the works on paper entries, Jerry Bachman placed first with “All American Red”; second was Gay Paratore, “Blow Your Horn, Baby”; and honorable mentions were Fontaine Jacobs for “Astros Fan”; Jackie Liddell, “Turbulence”; Ruby Allen, “Waiting for Our Fisherman”; Richard Scruggs, “March Brown”; and Leroy LeFlore, “Waiting for Scraps.”
Paula Freeman topped the mixed media/wall-hung entries with “Love Is in the Air;” she also received an honorable mention for “Ocean View.” Second was Nancy House’s “My Own Little Beach.” Other honorable mentions: Lisette McClung, “Angel LeClere”; and Kathleen Fannin, “Blooming Cactus.”
Photography winners were Jim Stough, first, for “Pink Air” and an honorable mention for
his “Eight Point Rowell.” Molly Ross won second for “Among Water Lilies.” Additional honorable mentions: Malaina Hudson, “Salsa Trypich” [sic], Julie Chapa, “Blooms at Broadway Cemetery”; and Fred Gordon, “Galveston Pleasure Pier.”
Rebecah Thompson’s “Bath Day” finished first in digital art, and she also scored an honorable mention for “Solitary.” Matt Logmann took second for “Just Beautiful.” In 3-D works, Frank Eader was awarded first for “Round Segmented Bowl.” Second went to Jackie Low for “PSilent P.” Madeleine Baker received an honorable mention for “Green Herons.”
The Best of Show artist receives a $300 cash prize, and each first-place recipient gets $100. Second-place honorees receive $50.
The contest was judged by The Woodlands resident Victoria Castillo, a figurative painter who focuses on women in light-infused settings. She studied art at Washington & Lee University and the University of Maryland. Castillo holds signature memberships in Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists and Women Artists of the West.
The fall competition is one of three per year held by the Galveston Art League. Another contest is planned for February, with entry information posted on the nonprofit organization’s website, www.GalvestonArtLeague.com. Founded in 1914 to advance visual arts and art education in the Galveston County area and beyond, the league has organized juried competitions regularly since the 1960s.
The all-volunteer Galveston Art League, which has never had a salaried staffer, is currently recruiting members. It’s noteworthy that many members are not artists – they simply appreciate art and enjoy supporting the local art community. All members are invited to preview parties where they can meet exhibiting artists and take advantage of early-bird shopping opportunities.
To find out about membership levels and tax-deductible membership fees, visit www.GalvestonArtLeague.com. You may email gallery2117@gmail.com if you have questions.
