Written by Amanda Coers – The 20th annual Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit opened Saturday, February 4th, with an evening reception and awards ceremony showcasing artistic works from across Texas.

 

This year’s exhibit features works of art from artists across the state of Texas that were selected by juror Randy Bacon. Awards and cash prizes totaling $6,000 were given to 15 artists in a variety of categories. This year’s $1,000 Dorothy Mays Best of Show Award was given to Bob Stuth-Wade of Dublin, for his pastel work entitled “Sri Mama Uma Devi.”

 

“In the end, you know that any judging is subjective, but I earnestly tried to be fair and balanced,” said this year’s juror Randy Bacon. “Many thanks to the many volunteers that work to make this exhibition possible. It takes a lot of organization and a heap of work, and they go about it efficiently and objectively with kindness and professionalism. It was a pleasure working with them.”

Art lovers of all ages may view the Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit February 4-17 at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center located at 600 E. Depot in Brownwood. Show hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Demonstrations will also take place each day during exhibit hours from a variety of artists. There is no charge to enter the exhibit or attend the demonstrations.

Artwork that did not make the Stars of Texas Art Exhibit will be featured in the Salon des Refuses at the Brownwood Art Association Art Center, located at 215 Fisk Street during the above hours.

The Stars of Texas will hold a paint-off competition on Saturday, February 17 at 9:30 am at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center.

During the reception ceremony held February 4th, Ann Jones was recognized for her 20 years of dedicated service to the Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit, and, by extension, to the community.

“Ann was the person who originally conceived the idea of having the show, and she worked tirelessly with a small group of artists in town to make it a reality. She has served on our committee since that time, and has been an inspiration to all of us,” said fellow organizer Sarah Brown. Ann Jones was presented with a plaque at the end of the ceremony.

Other awards given Saturday include the following:

$750 Texas State Optical Juror Award – Artist: Mario Perez of Brownwood – Name of Work: Elephant Walk – Medium: Acrylic

 

$500 Kohler Award – Artist: Rachel Foley of Bertram – Name of Work: Chiaroscuro – Medium: Acrylic

 

$500 Charles and Kay Beth Stavley Merit Award – Artist: Anthony Brown of Abilene – Name of Work: Hope Rising from the Drought – Medium: Mixed Media

 

$500 Don C. Martin Memorial Watercolor Award – Robert Cook of Granbury – Name of Work: Port ‘A’ Docks – Medium: Watercolor

 

$500 Brownwood Art Association Photography Award – Artist: Martin Belli of Bangs – Name of Work: Copper Twilight – Medium: Photo

 

$500 Mary and Ernest Cadenhead Pastel Award – Artist: Kathleen Cook of Kerrville – Name of Work: Heading for Home – Medium: Pastel

 

$500 Porter Insurance Oil Medium Award – Artist: Samuel Shelton of Meridian – Name of Work: Critic – Medium: Oil

$500 Empire Iron Works 3-D Award – Artist: Elise Techintine of Granary – Name of Work: Heal Thyself – Medium: Assemblage