2012 Early Spring Show
Jean & Gordon Sawyer Gallery Feb 13-April 16, 2012
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
First Place

Jeanne Thompkins- "Blue" Photograph
Honorable Mentions
GAL 2012 Spring Exhibit Awards
Our 2012 GAL Spring Exhibit award judge was John Amoss, Art Instructor at GSC and NGC. He gave some great comments about our show.
He said, “thank you, for the honor of selecting me as Judge for The GeorgiaArt League's exhibition. I also want to thank all participants in the show-
Every exhibitor should be proud of her and his abilities - and for the privilege of being included in such an accomplished and dedicated group of
artists. Some of you probably know that a judge's job is not an easy one, and this was no exception. From my viewpoint, the process of a judged exhibition is one of inclusion, rather than an exclusionary one. This can be achieved by balancing a healthy sense of competition, camaraderie, and analysis so that the whole process benefits everyone. I do hope that each one of you considers my choices within this spirit - And please realize that you inspire the public through your efforts - independent of my decisions.” He added, “I have been asked to note salient qualities I observed for each award, starting with the honorable mentions”
1st place: to Jeanne Thompkins for "Blue",
This is a photograph- A striking viewpoint of varying monochromatic values of blue which create a
balanced atmospheric presence. Nice use of large, bold geometric shapes with accompanying detail
which keeps the composition from becoming too minimal or staid.
2nd place: is Ban Shakir, for "Winter Morning",
This is done in pastel- It has effective linear detail and indication of textures without overworking. A
nice balance of warm highlights against the predominantly complimentary cool-colored background.
3rd place: Marie-Helene Gardelle, for "Gemini",
This is a clay sculpture with bronze patina - An interesting and refined combination of 2 and 3-
dimensional modeling while keeping in mind the structure's integrity. A potentially difficult process.
Honorable Mention #1: goes to Heidi Bowman, for "Resurrection"
It is Cloisonné- An effective use of symbolism and a variety of elegant organic decorations
within a geometric shape.
Honorable Mention #2: Susan Wilkinson for "Intent"
Her medium is acrylic- This composition features a very clean color application and good
use of color and size relationships as a focal point.
Honorable Mention #3: is for Robin Smith, for her "Bluebird's Nest",
A 3-D done in clay – This is a playful thorn-like representation with good use of
shape, glaze, and texture.
Honorable Mention #4: to Heidi Bowman, for "Arty Landscape",
Done in scraffito- It is a miniature, apparently non-representational environment,
with effective color overlays and good presentation. Rewards the viewer for looking closely.
Honorable Mention #5: goes to Judy Black, for "Colorlinas"-
This painting, done in oil, has nice calligraphic brushstrokes using a limited color
palette with complementary highlights used in good measure.
Our 2012 GAL Spring Exhibit award judge was John Amoss, Art Instructor at GSC and NGC. He gave some great comments about our show.
He said, “thank you, for the honor of selecting me as Judge for The GeorgiaArt League's exhibition. I also want to thank all participants in the show-
Every exhibitor should be proud of her and his abilities - and for the privilege of being included in such an accomplished and dedicated group of
artists. Some of you probably know that a judge's job is not an easy one, and this was no exception. From my viewpoint, the process of a judged exhibition is one of inclusion, rather than an exclusionary one. This can be achieved by balancing a healthy sense of competition, camaraderie, and analysis so that the whole process benefits everyone. I do hope that each one of you considers my choices within this spirit - And please realize that you inspire the public through your efforts - independent of my decisions.” He added, “I have been asked to note salient qualities I observed for each award, starting with the honorable mentions”
1st place: to Jeanne Thompkins for "Blue",
This is a photograph- A striking viewpoint of varying monochromatic values of blue which create a
balanced atmospheric presence. Nice use of large, bold geometric shapes with accompanying detail
which keeps the composition from becoming too minimal or staid.
2nd place: is Ban Shakir, for "Winter Morning",
This is done in pastel- It has effective linear detail and indication of textures without overworking. A
nice balance of warm highlights against the predominantly complimentary cool-colored background.
3rd place: Marie-Helene Gardelle, for "Gemini",
This is a clay sculpture with bronze patina - An interesting and refined combination of 2 and 3-
dimensional modeling while keeping in mind the structure's integrity. A potentially difficult process.
Honorable Mention #1: goes to Heidi Bowman, for "Resurrection"
It is Cloisonné- An effective use of symbolism and a variety of elegant organic decorations
within a geometric shape.
Honorable Mention #2: Susan Wilkinson for "Intent"
Her medium is acrylic- This composition features a very clean color application and good
use of color and size relationships as a focal point.
Honorable Mention #3: is for Robin Smith, for her "Bluebird's Nest",
A 3-D done in clay – This is a playful thorn-like representation with good use of
shape, glaze, and texture.
Honorable Mention #4: to Heidi Bowman, for "Arty Landscape",
Done in scraffito- It is a miniature, apparently non-representational environment,
with effective color overlays and good presentation. Rewards the viewer for looking closely.
Honorable Mention #5: goes to Judy Black, for "Colorlinas"-
This painting, done in oil, has nice calligraphic brushstrokes using a limited color
palette with complementary highlights used in good measure.