2023 Visions of the Flint Hills
Juror Notes: Kim Casebeer
Categories: Painting, Photography, 3D, Other
This was an exceptional show and difficult to judge. All artists who entered and who participated in this juried event are to be commended for their hard work.
When judging an art exhibit, I first look for strength in the design elements – line, shape, use of space, finding form, value, color and texture. I also look for technically advanced skills of the artist’s chosen media. I typically find all of these are well represented in the award-winning artworks. Often, and this is the case for this show, there are more pieces that master the design elements and the media than there are awards. So what does a judge look for beyond great craftsmanship and use of design elements? This is where ideas on judging can vary from person to person. I look for two things – originality of concept and the story within the artwork.
One must acknowledge that thoughts on originality and storytelling will likely vary from artist to artist. These ideas have more to do with individual feelings about a piece than the tangible elements of design we are taught. When viewing the award-winning pieces, I could sense there was a unique background story the artist was telling. Because this is a show about the Flint Hills, I took that into account. The feelings that stir when viewing a piece of art is what holds our attention, and therefore, not something to be taken lightly.
It was my sincere pleasure to judge this show and to spend some time with these pieces. They spoke to me and I hope the artwork speaks to all who get a chance to see this show.
CATEGORY: OTHER
- Honorable Mention: “Silver Maple Line Edge Table” by Deb Chaussee
- 3rd Place: “Stacked Stones” by Linda Kinder
- 2nd Place: “Summer Winds” by Mary Gordon McFall
- 1st Place: “Prairie Clouds” by Diane Lawrence
Notes: This category is very diverse. I chose “Prairie Clouds” because I was drawn to the energy and movement of the piece. The shapes are strong. “Summer Winds” is a very different piece – quiet and unassuming. I was drawn to taking a closer look, seeing the interesting textures within the simple composition.
CATEGORY: 3D
- Honorable Mention: “Tornado” by Susan Freeland
- 3rd Place: “Flint Hills Glory” by Karen Merkel
- 2nd Place: “Blooming Yellow” by Wanda Tyner
- 1st Place: “Never-Ending Rain” by Jennifer Walker
Notes: This category fascinates me as there is an endless number of materials that can be used. 3D feels as though it should be viewed from multiple angles. The layers in “Never-Ending Rain”, coupled with the light source that illuminates from within, is fascinating. “Blooming Yellow” reminds us of the activity on the prairie and made me smile!
CATEGORY: PHOTOGRAPHY
- Honorable Mention: “Elevator Lights” by Mark Dierker
- Honorable Mention: “Anderson” by Mark Feiden
- 3rd Place: “Wind and Water Ellsworth County” by Steve Johnston
- 2nd Place: “Spring Pastures” by Mark Feiden
- 1st Place: “Hillside on Fire” by Bruce Hogle
Notes: It’s hard to deny the strong composition that the radiating lines of fire create in “Hillside on Fire”, a great example of strong, simple composition. “Spring Pastures” has similar, strong perspective that draws us in and holds us until viewing the back distance. “Wind and Water”, and “Elevator Lights” both tell a compelling story. I had to give “Anderson” a second Honorable Mention, as the nostalgia this farmer brings was moving.
CATEGORY: PAINTING
- Honorable Mention: “Cottonwoods Touching the Water” by Donna Paul
- Honorable Mention: “White House” by Michael Walsh
- 3rd Place: “Sunrise Contemplation” by Jean Terry
- 2nd Place: “What Lies Beyond” by Cris Capin
- 1st Place: “Cove and Creek” by Clive Fullagar
Notes: “Cove and Creek” is simultaneously calm, quiet, and bold. Movement in the sky brings my eye down to the interesting water shapes. That strong piece of peachy pink at the horizon is so good! I found “What Lies Beyond” mysterious. There is plenty of color but values are close to invoke and quiet mood. “Sunrise Contemplation” uses bold color choices that mimic the boldness and strength of the bison.
BEST OF SHOW: “Prairie Expanse” by Larry DeGraff
Notes: This painting immediately caught my eye. From a distance, these shapes hold together very well. Close up, there are some lovely color shifts that make the paint surface very interesting. Painting a scene such as this seems deceptively simple, but it requires a lot of restraint. It was so well done!
