Though snow-delayed for a week by February’s fickle flirtations, when VERDANT opened at artCentral the evening’s Artists’ Reception could not have been more blissful with the warming weather offering a welcome reprieve from the shutdown of our recent winter storm.
Hyde House glowed with the warmth of artists and guests and 76 artworks made by members of the Joplin Regional Artist Coalition (JRAC) graciously sharing their creations in artCentral’s 2022 premiere exhibition—VERDANT—generously underwritten by the Palms Massage and Day Spa and Cherry’s Custom Framing and Art Gallery. Honoring artCentral’s accreditation as an ArtSafe Space by the Missouri Arts Council, throughout the evening masks were worn by all attending.
Highlighting the celebration was the presentation of awards to those artists and their creations designated as stand outs by Juror Cleo Copeland, owner of Cleo’s Framing and Design in Joplin. Ms. Copeland stated: “Established precedence and rules dictate which exhibits are to be judged, but on viewing this show it will be obvious that every piece of artwork submitted deserves recognition in one way or another which is the reason for this quality exhibit showcasing work by JRAC Members.”
As individual cash awards were announced and handed out, for each award recipient the Juror’s comments mounted on cards were displayed with the festive award ribbons beautifully crafted by JRAC’s president and vice president, Andrew Batcheller and Emily Rose.
Three HONORABLE MENTIONS were announced:
“Verdant Jazz” (12×9 ink) by Elizabeth Billings-Brook
“Foreverness” (3.25×3 jewelry) by Kristin Girard
“Harbinger of Spring” (10″ glass disc) by Dianne Miller
BEST PERSONIFICATION of the VERDANT THEME:
“Vivency” (20×20 acrylic) by Misty White
Top awards drew resounding applause as each was given.
BRONZE: “Remembering Giverny” (20×28 oil) by Margie Moss – “Lush, lush, lush from top to bottom and side to side is the best description of this painting. This work couldn’t have been accomplished with any less paint….This isn’t the first time this Artist has interpreted “the garden” but this version has the pond wonderfully large in the foreground, thus inviting the first look into the garden by its reflections in the pond.” Cleo Copeland
SILVER: “Where the Tall Ferns Grow” (10×8 acrylic) by Sandra Parrill – “Not surprising a Naturist would know how a fern looks, but to paint a fern on top of a fern on top on a fern with each being a separate plant and knowing when enough is enough takes talent. The interesting tree enhances the visual experience and is necessary for the vertical composition.” Cleo Copeland
GOLD: “Midori no Hono” (Green Flame – 20×16 oil) by Emily Rose – “This portrait has it all right. It is very appealing along with being very enjoyable to view. It is especially inviting with the positioning of the individual leaning out of the frame towards the viewer. Great accomplished detail of the shirt, ring, bodily hair, eyes, skin tones and then a little well done freedom is taken with the way his hair is painted.” Cleo Copeland
Throughout the Hyde House galleries VERDANT will continue on view through March 12, 2022, at 1110 East Thirteenth Street in Carthage. Weekend Gallery Hours will be Fridays and Saturdays, 12:00-5:00 p.m., with members of artCentral’s Board of Directors and JRAC serving as gallery docents to greet you.
For more information visit artCentral’s website or Facebook page, email [email protected] or call (417) 358-4404.
