Artists honored at 37th annual CAE Competition Exhibition

More than a dozen regional artists were honored on Sunday (Sept. 7) as the Center for Art and Education in Van Buren debuted its 37th annual Adult Artist Competition Exhibit.

The opening reception and awards ceremony welcomed participating artists, their families and friends, and guests to celebrate the center's long-standing contest tradition.
CAE's annual Adult Artist Competition has been a part of the regional art community for nearly four decades. The event serves as a tool to both promote local artists and showcase their talents to the general public.

Thirty artists took part in the event, which was open to amateur artists ages 18 and older. To be eligible, participants must not have had sales of their work exceeding $5,000 annually.

A wide-range of mediums were featured in this year's competition. Eligible forms included transparent watercolor, oil, acrylic, graphics (including pen and ink, pastel, charcoal, colored pencil and print making), mixed media, and found object art.  Participating artists could submit up to three works for consideration.

Neal Harrington, associate professor of art at Arkansas Tech University and Tammy Harrington, professor of art at the University of the Ozarks, served as the jurors for this year's competition. The pair reviewed  each of the works prior to the exhibition's opening to determine the overall and category winners.

Artist Fred Cousins was presented the Richard & Helen Hodo Juror's Choice Award for his piece "Magnolias and More." In the program, the jurors explained why Cousins' floral oil painting was selected for the top prize.

"The Juror's Choice artwork shows great skill and capacity in the medium of representational painting. The crisp while blossoms glow against the leaves and the deep, dark blue background. A whimsical component to this piece is the bird and butterfly hidden among the leaves … what a great discovery to the viewer. This piece is truly captivating."

First place went to Mildred Ming for her work "Grapes and Leaves," and second place to Jane Hartfield for "Golden Drops.” Debra Sisson earned third place for her submission "Evening Light Fox." Cousins was awarded $500 for his winning entry, with Ming receiving $250. Harfield took home $150 for second place and Sisson won $100.

Other medium specific awards were also presented at the ceremony. Winners included  Cindy Sugg, Doris Echols Color Award; Jeff Willard, Carolyn Holmes Perspective Award; Martha Efurd, Ethel Ashley Founders Award; Sharla Derry, Alice Adele Boatwright Award-Architectural; Fred Cousins, Amie Fellwock Watercolor Award; Cindy Bradley, Helen Hallum Pastel Award; Lorrie Bridges, Mildred Peck Acrylic Award; and Monica Moore, Abstract Award. Several "Honorable Mention" ribbons were also presented.

The competition exhibit will remain on display through Sept. 26. To inquire about purchasing a piece or for more information, call 474-7767.