Winners with Judge Arnaldo Ugarte and Director Theresa Hammons
The Town of Jonesborough, Tennessee, announces the winners of the Jonesborough Open Juried Art Show of 2018.
Out of 125 submitted pieces, a total of 75 were chosen for the exhibit. The art exhibition consists of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, mosaics, photography, glass and mixed media giving the show a well-rounded array of artwork. For the first year, the exhibit had two artists from outside the immediate region making the show more than a regional representation of artists.
Arnaldo Ugarte, a Honduran born artist, sculptor, and sculpture conservationist living in Brooklyn New York and working at the Rockefeller Estate was this year’s judge. Ugarte received all 125 digital submissions and curated the show to the final 75 pieces. He then chose the final awards by viewing the pieces in person the day before the Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception. Ugarte provided a lecture regarding a select number of the artwork and themes he observed in the show at the International Storytelling Center. After the lecture, the awards ceremony and opening reception for the exhibit took place at the McKinney Center.
Awards of $2,000 were given to the top three artists. Best in Show prize of $1,000 awarded to Steven Reeves for his painting, "Look at Me,†followed by second place which went to Bill & Tina Collison for their wooden bowel, "El Caldera," receiving $600 in award money. Third place was given to Charles Jones for his painting, "Dancers with Zebras," which was accompanied by $400. Certificates of Merit were given to Renee Pitts for her fiber art, "Hats Off to Maggie," Vera Tracy for her sculpture, "Just One Gun. Rape," Nathan Gorman for his glass sculpture, "Amber Crystal Sphere," Joan Bauer for her fiber art, "Appalachian Sunset" and Joel Yarger for his drawing, "Planar Rose."
The show was organized by the Town of Jonesborough’s McKinney Center staff. Various volunteers provided refreshments and floral arrangements including, Toast Wine & Spirits, and Broyles Florist. Music was provided by pianist and vocalist Patti Quarles.
The exhibit is on display at the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School in Jonesborough through May 5. The exhibit is open to the public free of charge, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most of the artwork is for sale. A portion of the proceeds support Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts Scholarship Program. For more information, contact the McKinney Center at 423-753-0562.
