Archive Mode. Call Heartland Artists Gallery - Small Wonders 2022 ended on 4/30/22, 5:00 PM. Call settings are read only. See Current Open Calls
Judges Statement 2022 Small Wonders Exhibit
I was honored to have the privilege of judging the Small Wonders Art Competition, When first entering the exhibit I was impressed with the number of high quality art works that were in this show. I quickly was able to select thirty to forty works that were worthy of recognition. Selecting the five award winners from this large group was the difficult job for this juror. I hope all the entrants will keep in mind that the purpose of these awards is to encourage artists to continue in there work building confidence in their ability as artists and I hope all artists will one day receive such encouragement, . The first place award winner ,Country Morning , a landscape of a barn ,was selected for its outstanding use of vibrant color not usually found in this subject. The artist seems to have a gift for applying color in enhancing the genre of landscape painting. It grabbed my attention at first glance. Second place was awarded a sculpture, Trasher. incorporating unusual material to capture the beauty of a blue bird with interesting textures to hold the eye for quite some time. Honorable mention was given to the only pencil drawing, Pony, in this show whose craftsmanship and skill in drawing represent the foundation of all two dimensional art . The other honorable mention went to the exquisitely rendered, Duck Egg, Ukrainian egg that represents the beauty inherent in that culture. The Best of Show could have been several of the fine art works in the exhibition. I chose the painting, Kitchen Door ,The Kilns ,of the door surrounded by vines as it seemed to embody the concept for the Small Wonders Show. In its small size, it included the outstanding skill of the artist in a complex subject with a feeling that the door might open to all the possibilities art offers both the artist and viewer. I wish I could have included the creative collage work, the many lovely landscapes, and the expressive portraits in the awards .
As a judge, I hope I was able to encourage five regional artists, by endorsing their excellence art work. I regret there were not more awards to give out as there was an abundance of work by very talented artists in this enjoyable show.
Jurors Information -John E. Thomas
Bachelors in Art Education Indiana University
Masters in Fine Art Notre Dame University
Mr Thomas has won many awards throughout the years.
Included in this list are:
Critics Choice Award - Blueberry Festival
1st Place Professional - Blueberry Festival
Indiana State Fair - Most Popular Award 1978, 1979, 1980
Indiana State Fair - Best of Show
Indiana State Fair - Champion Open Class
Heartland Artist Regional - Young Peoples Choice 1997, 1998, 1999
Heartland Artist Regional - Popular Choice 1997 - 1990
Starke County Fine Arts Commission - First Place 1994
South Bend Michiana Regional Competition -
Best of Show, 1st in Painting 1978
Mid States Show Evansville - Best of Show 1974 in permanent collection
Art Work in permanent collections of:
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Evansville Museum Art & Science
Bristol Myer Squibb Corporate Collection
Mr.Thomas taught high school art for 44 years . Many of his students have gone on to become professionals in the field of art. His art department, at John Glenn High School, received 25 national achievement awards from the Scholastic Art Awards , New York. He was also an Associate Professor of Art at Bethel College in the 1980s
