2017 Artist of the Year - Judie Apablaza
by Judie Apablaza
|
Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are the beginning of summer, as vacation plans send our members in many different directions.
Our Verdugo Hills Art Association meeting in June also marked the end of our “Artist of the Month” competitions and the end of meetings, demonstrations, workshops and events until our meetings begin in the fall. Eleven artists won first place ribbons during the year in our Artist of the Month competitions. These eleven artist brought their winning paintings to the June meeting for members and guests to choose one painting as their favorite. I would call the Artist of the Month the "People’s Choice Award” for it is an emotional and purely subjective choice. As the Chairman of “Artist of the Month,” I would like to see members share and exhibit their work and not be concerned about judgement but be encouraged and supported for their own individual, creative expression in a casual setting. Also, winning the Artist of the Month award does not affect an individual’s standing in juried shows. I was amused to hear many members say that "Artist of the Month" is a jury of your fellow artists and not just the opinion of one person. |
With this being said, this year’s “Artist of the Year,” reflected voting results where one person received more votes that others and some received fewer votes. Voting results were tabulated by members who did not have paintings submitted for this event. Therefore, thank you for your support, encouragement and votes. I was so surprised!
The ten submitting winning artists were Nikki Thomas, Jeannie Windoffer, Judie and Pepe Apablaza, Angela Alvarenga, Jay Ewing, Devorah Friedman, Sara Griggs, Carol Hendrickson, Jennifer Swain and Barbara Thorn-Otto. All of these members are excellent artists who have earned awards and ribbons with local and national recognition. We are a community of artists and many friendships have been formed by workshops, classes and other events. I am very pleased to be part of this wonderful group of artists who have encouraged me in my watercolor journey.
The ten submitting winning artists were Nikki Thomas, Jeannie Windoffer, Judie and Pepe Apablaza, Angela Alvarenga, Jay Ewing, Devorah Friedman, Sara Griggs, Carol Hendrickson, Jennifer Swain and Barbara Thorn-Otto. All of these members are excellent artists who have earned awards and ribbons with local and national recognition. We are a community of artists and many friendships have been formed by workshops, classes and other events. I am very pleased to be part of this wonderful group of artists who have encouraged me in my watercolor journey.