By Julia Chance

The pickings are anything but slim when selecting award winning artworks for our annual Patrons’ Show. This year there were over 400 submissions eligible for Best-in-Show, Torpedo Factory Artist, Faculty, Marian Van Landingham, and Brenda Kollman 3D Awards, giving juror Rachel Kizielewicz lots and lots to choose from. 

“It is impressive that hundreds of pieces were donated to make the Patrons’ Show happen,” says Kizielewicz, an artist herself and the interim president and CEO of Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. “I was taken with the generosity of The Art League’s community of artists, students, and instructors. The fact that the show has been going on for 56 years is further testament to the strength of this community.”  

“I found the artworks to be widely varied, and wildly inspiring,” Kizielewicz says. But for the massive undertaking of choosing the winners, her first priority was to work within the parameters of each award category. From there, “I looked for pieces that stood out for their craftsmanship, uniqueness and overall artistry.”

Here, she comments on this year’s winning artworks.

Best-in-Show: Triple Self Portrait by David Carter; Oil

“This is a piece that immediately struck me—for its scale, composition, depth and perspective.”

Torpedo Factory Artist Award: The Face We Show by Lisa Schumair; Mixed media

“This piece is compelling for its uniqueness. Who we show the world, versus who we really are is something I think everyone can relate to in their own way.”

Faculty Award: Wells Clerestory by Rachel Collins; Watercolor

“This is amazingly restrained and controlled for a watercolor piece. It relays the sense of place—and the tone of place—poignantly.”

Marian Van  Landingham Award: Broccoli, Fennel and Red Onion by Keith Parks; Photography

“Who has ever seen broccoli, fennel and onion look so good? The composition is evocative, and the depth of the color palette is strikingly rich.”

Brenda Kollman 3-D Awards

“With the 3-D award category, it was important to recognize a variety of media, given the many different materials that were used by the 3-D artists.” 

1st Place: Chakras by Lizzy Molinari; Glass sculpture

“A life-size torso with chakras made out of glass is not something you see every day…” 

2nd Place: Deer Spirit by Noah Williams; Mixed media

“…nor is a deer spirit made of found objects. Both are very unique works. 

3rd Place: Phil Voltz by Theresa Rinehart; Assemblage

“And then, something as well known as a robot gets a whole new interpretation that can’t help but make you smile.”