Art In Action: Art Competitions
By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association
If you are an artist it is a good idea to enter your work in competition. You will not always win, or place, or sometimes even be allowed to “show” your art. It is difficult to take a loss with equanimity, but in the long run, it is better as the old adage says, to try and fail rather than never to try at all.
The vagaries of judges are legend. The requirements for different competitions are as diverse and numerous as the stars. Sometimes really good work gets passed up for mediocre stuff. In almost every competition there is something you can learn to help improve your art. Peruse those winning works. What differentiates this work. Forget the judge and think about what you can learn by evaluating those winning works of art. Do they have exceptional values? Is the composition one that draws you back to the center of interest? Are the colors distinct or muddy? Does it tell a story? Do viewers seem to relate to the work?
This week saw two good sets of competition. The Honeywell “Tree” themed work and the Lakeland Art Association Spring Show. I saw things that won awards at Honeywell (considered one of the prestigious galleries in the state of Indiana) where other paintings by the same artists, same excellent quality, were passed over at the LAA show and didn’t even receive an honorable mention. So do not be discouraged. When a Steve Creighton and a Robert Hudson enter a competition with their exquisite work and receive no awards at all, you are in exceptionally good company. They will win something in the next contest they enter and if you keep at it, you will soon become a winner too.
None of this is to denigrate the work that did win awards. It is excellent. I am glad I was not the judge. You really need to go to the Lakeland Art Gallery to see this amazing collection of art work.
Here are this year’s winners and their prizes (no separation for category or media this year):
Best of Show: $500 Photographer Mike Kimble “Marcie’s Window”
First Place: $150 Elizabeth Wamsley “My Own Ruin”
Second Place: $75 Roxanne Coffelt “Banyan Tree”
Third Place: $40 Nancy Longmate “Presence”
Honorable Mentions: $20 each-Kelly Shoemaker, John Streeter, Jennifer Caudill, Teresa Carrano, Thelma Rohrer, Wayne Harshberger, Nancy Longmate, Brenda Stichter
Congratulations to all- there were over 130 entries and only 12 winners.
Upcoming and Current Events
- The Bev Garner exhibit opened at Warsaw City Hall Gallery on Tuesday, April 7. Garner is a marvelous colored pencil artist and has many awards to her credit. You can visit the gallery from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
- Adult and children workshops are always on deck. Call (574) 594-9950 for information.
- Spring Competition Show will be on display till the next exhibit opens. Stop by and enjoy this wonderful array of work.
- Honeywell themed show coming down soon for the “Best of the Best” student competition. Call Honeywell Clark Art Gallery for more information at (260) 563-1102.
- On the first Saturday in June, Lakeland Art Association is sponsoring a fabulous fun kid’s tent for art at Winona Lake Village.
Contact [email protected] any time you have comments or questions.