The Adams County Arts Council in coordination with the Gettysburg College Schmucker Gallery is hosting their 17th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. The art is on display in the Schmucker Gallery until June 25. Due to COVID-19 restrictions for on campus visitors, an opening reception was held on Friday, June 5 at the Adams County Arts Council. The reception hosted live, virtual tours from 4:00-7:30pm. Shannon Eagen, Gallery Director, highlighted each of the works of art and the artists during timed intervals, allowing for questions and answers. Refreshments were catered by Fabio Carella with awards announced at 5pm.
Forty-three artists residing from various towns of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey produced forty-seven works of art. “The artists of this year’s show are to be commended,” stated Leona Rega, executive director of the Adams County Arts Council. “They submitted their work for review in 2020 and waited over a year to have it displayed and juried by Dr. William B. Crow, Ph.D. Dr. Crow is a professor of practice in the department of Art, Architecture, and Design and is the director of the Lehigh University Art Galleries. “I am in awe of Juried Art committee consisting of Judie Butterfield, Debbie Westmoreland, and Shannon Eagen. They thought creatively to ensure the show could continue and present the exhibition to the public.”
Works of Art are comprised of originals and prints of mixed media, acrylics, oils, watercolor, wax, ink, photography, wood, paper, stained glass, fiber, and raku pottery. Most work is for sale and prices range from $85-$5,600. Local artist Jack Handshaw shared his astonishment at receiving two awards at this years’ show. “It is rare for a potter to receive one award, yet two for their work in the same show, I am honored to have won.” Land Conservancy sponsor, Bob Prosperi shared his joy at the announcement of the Landscape Award to Anne Finucane.
The Schmucker Gallery is now open to the public for viewing of the art in person Thursday through Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm. Those unable to attend in person can find the work at the Adams County Arts Council website www.adamsarts.org and are able to purchase directly on-line. Works will be shipped upon request and for an additional fee. “We believe artists and patrons alike will find the exhibition beautifully installed and an inspiration,” stated Debbie Westmoreland who has been chair of the Juried Art Committee for several years. This is a unique opportunity to view and purchased varied art works. Proceeds from the sales of art benefit the Adams County Arts Council.
With the generous support of our sponsors, nine different awards were presented to artists during the reception. The People’s Choice award will be present after June 25 and the public is encouraged to vote either at the Adams County Arts Council or the Schmucker Gallery in person for their favorite. The full list of winners from the 17th Annual Juried Art Exhibition are:
The Blick Art Award to Melinda Bitzel for Lily Pads- Mixed Media,
Directors Award courtesy of Schmucker Gallery to Alan Paulson for Horned Ring – wood,
Landscape Award sponsored by the Land Conservancy of Adams County to Anne Finucane for Early Spring View – linocut, hand colored with watercolor,
Purchase Award sponsored by A&A Village Treasures to Jack Handshaw for Harvest – Raku pottery,
5th Place Award sponsored by Gunnar Galleries to Matthew Borgen for Horizons – Inkjet print on Archival Paper,
4th Place Award sponsored by Harvest Investment Services to Michael Hower for The Muckers – digital photography ink jet on paper,
3rd Place Award sponsored by LARK to Patricia Hutchinson for Emmy – mixed media oil and acrylic on canvas,
2nd Place Award sponsored by Open Minds to Jack Handshaw for Harvest – Raku Pottery
Best of Show sponsored by Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers to Eric Miller for Clockwork – watercolor