Portals and Pathways Show Winners
1st Place
Portal by Mark Caselius
This piece captures my attention immediately. The colors are vivid, yet dark. I find myself moving back and forth finding at least two different stories. I thought I was gazing into a cat’s eye, the portal to a cat’s soul perhaps. As it draws me in I see a bridge reflection in a pool of fiery, autumnal water........or is it?
2nd Place
A Portal in Glass by Rachel Hall
I am drawn to use of lines, focus, light, shapes and colors in this piece. My focus is attracted by the use of soft color and focus surrounding a crisp shape. Next, lines within the shape draw me deeper into a setting of clarification and calm.
3rd Place - Joint
Sweet Soul Rising by Melissa Templeton Proulx
This piece sparks my curiosity immediately. The use of symbolism in this piece was quite thought provoking. The stairway is often used to symbolize a transition of states of being and spiritual ascension. Butterflies universally symbolize rebirth and hope. Melissa’s piece has channeled her grief into a message of peace and freedom.
3rd Place - Joint
The Sky’s the Limit by Teagan Schwartz
This piece has takes the definition of portals to an ever expanding notion. The expert use of sharp and diffused color leads our eye across the painting and creates questions about where the artists portal is leading us. This mature, thought provoking piece was created by 13 year old Teagan Schwartz.
Show Judge
Valerie Coopet - Board Secretary
Valerie earned a BA in Art History and Fine Arts. Later she received a BS in Elementary Education and MAEd. She has been involved with art her whole life and has continued painting and sketching m, currently focusing on portraiture. She is secretary on the board of The Maple Grove Arts Center. She hosts an open studio once a week.