From a painting of modern architecture in cool tones, to abstract work created with deep reds and black, artists pulled out all the stops for the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center’s Members’ Show.
Karen Schwartz, the show’s organizer, said the annual juried art show is open to all members of the WCAC, but not everyone participates.
“This year has 93 pieces of art from our gallery members — and we’re up 22 pieces from last year,” Schwartz said.
Jean Hess, the second place winner and a member since the late 1980s, said the event gives artists a chance to show off their favorite piece of the year.
“It’s always an interesting show because there’s such a wide array of talent,” Hess said “There are so many different styles and subject matter and ways of painting. It’s just fun to see.”
Schwartz said artists of all different skill levels enter the show.
“When I started this we always had a range of artwork, but we always felt it was important that the members have the opportunity to participate so we didn’t do any kind of screening,” Schwartz said.
However, she said as the years have gone by, members’ art has improved more and they have also become pickier with what they submit.
“It just seems like every year the art gets better,” Schwartz said.
For this show, the top three pieces, along with nine runners up, won a cash prize. Schwartz said the prize money was donated by members, but the gallery is looking for businesses in the area to sponsor awards.
This year’s first-place winner was Bob Carlson for his oil painting, “Westin Atrium.” One of the judges, Howard Walker, said he liked the exaggerated view of the piece,
“I nearly fell off the balcony looking at this! Beautifully designed space — subtle color — incredible perspective,” Walker wrote in his judge’s statement. “Even the arrangement of tables lead your eye.”
While he has painted his whole life and earned a master’s degree in art, Carlson said he was surprised he won.
“You don’t take anything for granted, you don’t assume ‘I’m really amazing because I got this,’ because next time you don’t get in (to the show,)” Carlson said.
Even though formal judging is done, the competition isn’t over. There’s a People’s Choice Award, where people vote for their favorite piece. Schwartz said the winner will be announced at the next gallery opening.
Want to go?
The WCAC Members’ Show is on display through July 19, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center Blue Building, 110 Westover Ave. Free.
