Juror's Statement from Delanie Jenkins:

The 22 artists included in this exhibition respond to the expression “living life out loud,” coined by the French novelist Émile Zola when he wrote, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.” As artists our work reflects our lives, our curiosity, our choices and intentions, our moment in time, for the record. The new works in this exhibition were created within a timeline of global uncertainty and persistent social and political upheaval. Given an expression that suggests vibrancy, authenticity, boldness, perhaps unapologetic exuberance, or joie de vivre, in our ongoing state of caution and emergence, what do we understand about living life out loud, now, given this group of artists’ responses?

Travel, both real and imagined, offers a balance between adventures and wonders “out there” with the recognition of comfort and pleasure in the right here, right now. From the miraculous to the mundane, moments alone and together are elevated with reverence. The non-human natural world is closely observed, detailed, and celebrated, as are still lives recording sustenance, activity, tools and materials. While longing is palpable in stillness and absence, a groundedness in rest and quiet is also present, along with determination, humor, and joy.

Evidenced in this exhibition, the current moment of living life out loud appears more tender, quiet, and hopeful – it certainly feels grateful and has never felt more urgent.

Thank you for inviting me to serve as juror of awards; I look forward to seeing the artists’ work in person, soon. Congratulations on a lovely exhibition!

Delanie Jenkins

And the winners are:

First place:

Susan Johnston, 

Blue and Brown

Second place:

Ron Thurston, 

Celebrate

Third place:

Susie Coburn, 

Covid Comfort, Wine and Potato Chips

Awards Of Merit:

Debra Valentino, 

Morning Ritual

lisa rasmussen, 

Madame