Open

Our eight Art competition “Open” started in October 2024 and concluded on November 14, 2024. Art Room Gallery received entries from many countries around the world: USA, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France and Norway. The Open theme in this competition included a diversity in types, styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, graphite, gouache, bonze, colored pencil, digital art, photography). 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 40 artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. Aside from First, Second, and Third place Jury also presented Merit awards and 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. Poetic landscapes, sensitive figures, realistically rendered still life and moody seascapes, place him as a true American Romanticist. 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:

I spent much of my younger days Sculpting in Wood, but always longed to to work in Stone. I had the good fortune to study stone sculpture with Michael Tine, Myles Schachter and Al Brown, which set me on my path. I have found that every stone has it's own special character or personality. Even though you might start out with a specific design in mind, the stone often will take you in it's own unique direction. The collaboration between sculptor and stone can be an intimate, and even a meditative process. Every piece has it's own unique story to tell, if you open yourself up to hearing it.

Statement:

Cher Pruys, ASAA SCA, IGOR, AAPL, CSAA, AMS, LMS, OSA, MAA, CFA, NOAPS, PSOA, AWA., AAOA. "To take my inner visions with my hands and create a work of art for you the viewer .... That is the ultimate in self expression." Cher Pruys was born in Regina. Over the years she lived in many places including Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Fort Frances, settling into her present home in Devlin, on the banks of the Rainy River with her husband Mark, and pets. By age three, Cher was seldom found without a drawing tool in hand. She worked in pencil, charcoal and ink over the years, until, she picked up a paintbrush at the age of 35. Beginning with oil paints, she found her chosen mediums in acrylic, watercolor and gouache. Although self taught, her dedication and talent has seen her work juried into 659 International exhibits. She has won 993 awards for her work in the International Juried Exhibits. Her work has graced the covers of 3 books, 38 magazines, including The Best Of Acrylic Fall 2021, cover of the May 2022 Arabella Magazine, #20 Hyperrealism Magazine with “Girls Girls Girls”, & #21 with “The Young Cowboy”, Artists & Illustrators March 2024 & the latest Artistonish 2024 July edition. She has been featured in over 480 International publications. Cher's works have found a permanent home in private and public collections worldwide.