The Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center launched its second annual juried show with a reception Thursday evening, celebrating the latest offerings from talented area artists. The exhibition runs through Nov. 16.
“We got a really nice selection of entries, “ said Karen Schwartz, program co-chair
She said the 2017 juried show debut was popular. The second edition features 56 artists and 78 pieces spanning painting, photography, woodwork and more.
“It was pretty popular,” Schwartz said.
The follow-up garnered more submissions and attracted new artists, with roughly a quarter of entries coming from non-members. Williamsburg artists showcase their works alongside others from Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Richmond and beyond.
Ken Wright, former Virginia arts commissioner and current resident artist at Norfolk’s d’Art Center, served as the show’s judge.
Wright said that when judging a work, he looks beyond the obvious details such as color and composition. He considers how its movement, melody and emotions combine and make use of the medium at hand.
Schwartz said Wright’s selections reflect his background as an abstract artist.
“Everything has an abstract element to me, almost everything,” she said. “Even if it’s very realistic, it’s not just representative.”
Wright awarded the best-in-show prize to Catherine Delsandro Walsh’s acrylic painting, “Lavender View,” praising her bold movement and comparing her approach to the canvas to that of Picasso and Michelangelo.
Wright added that he wished he could award more artists for their work in the show.
“Every piece in here is an award winner, whether or not you’ve got the ribbon,” he said.
Want to go?
The second annual regional juried show runs through Nov. 16 at Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center, 110 Westover Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
