Current Exhibition

Our sixth Art competition “Artist's Choice” started in February 2025 and concluded on March 13, 2025. Art Room Gallery received entries from many countries around the world: Australia, China, Taiwan, USA, Austria, France, Canada and Italy. The Artist's Choice theme in this competition included a diversity in types, styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, scratchboard, digital art, photography, stainless steel, bronze). The following evaluation criteria has been used for judging the artwork: creativity, interpretation of the theme, originality and quality of art, overall design, demonstration of artistic ability, and usage of medium. Jury decided to select 30 artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. Aside from First, Second, and Third place Jury also presented Honorable Mention awards.

Thank you, and enjoy the exhibition!

Statement:

Barry works proficiently in both oils and watercolor; his work is reminiscent of 19th century painting. Influenced by the Hudson River School, the Pre-Raphaelite's and the American Impressionists. As with Thomas Cole in the mid-1800's, Mr. DeBaun is continuing the legacy of traditional painting in the Catskills and beyond, place him as a true American Romanticist. Voted Best Artist of the Hudson Valley 2016 by the readers of the Hudson Valley Magazine. Listed in their October 2016 issue. Winner of many national awards received from groups, including the American Artists' Professional League, the Salmagundi Club, Kent Art Association, Northeast Watercolor Society, Ridgewood Art Institute, Fine Art America and the Hudson Valley Art Association where he received the Gold Medal of Honor. Artist Statement: My inspiration comes from my love of nature. I choose to paint poetic landscapes, sensitive figures, realistically rendered still life, and moody seascapes. I work in a traditional style, seeking to capture the beauty of nature, an essence of peace, and subjects that speak to the soul. That my paintings would reflect the glory of God's creation.

Statement:

Jason Shih was born in 1972 in Taiwan. In 1991, he began to specialize in metal sculpture when he was a sophomore in the Fine Arts Dept. of Taipei National University of the Arts. In 2001, he graduated from School for American Crafts, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA, and majored in Metal Sculpture. And then, he served as the metal sculptor Albert Paley's assistant, involved in crafts and public art work practices. Furthermore, he earned his Art Ph. D. from China Academy of Art, China (2015). Now, he lives in Taiwan, and consistently engages in the both areas of sculpture and public art. Jason Shih’s artistic vision is shaped by a diverse array of influences, from contemporary dance to avant-garde fashion. He cites German choreographer Pina Bausch and British designer Alexander McQueen as significant inspirations. Bausch’s explorations of time and space resonate with Shih’s interest in sculpture’s capacity to embody kinetic energy and spatial imagination. McQueen’s innovative approach to contemporary imagery and themes provides Shih with a broad canvas for creative expression.

Statement:

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to paint and draw. I earned a degree from Florida International University in Communications with a minor in Art. I worked for an Ad Agency but after having a couple kids and adopting a couple more, I hung up my paintbrush. After 20+ years and a twist of fate, I rediscovered my paintbrush while recuperating from hip replacement surgery. I instantly found my happy place again. My love for art and creating it comes from my Faith and knowing that God has given me a great talent, that I love sharing with the world. A few years ago, I moved to Martin county from Palm Beach and found the most wonderful art teacher in the world, Brenda Leigh. She helps me get unstuck through almost all of my paintings. I love painting wildlife of any kind, large and small, fur or feathers. I discovered pastels while taking a weekend workshop with my art mentor, Lesley Harrison, in Montana. I adore the richness and realism I can achieve with this medium. Since then I have discovered other mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, digital painting and scratchboard that I am thoroughly enjoying learning how to get the most photo realistic painting I can.