Renaissance Art Gallery
11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition
2011

a unique portrait by Charlynn Hulse

Beyond that, the greatest challenge is for each artist to go within, discover a compelling subject or image and then transform it into a personal vision that reflects moods, feelings inner states of mind and even passions. To a varying degree, many of the works in this exhibition reflect that inner self.

I would encourage all artists, of whatever persuasion to continue striving towards an art that embodies their own personal spirit as fully as possible. In doing so we will not only imitate nature or even interpret our world, but as Andre Malraux suggest, we will “rival the scheme of things:

Personal note:

The miniature is an art form I want to hold in my hand like a jewel or something precious. It has the feel of an intimate secret that wants to be looked at from all angles, and up side down, or with a magnifying glass to explore even deeper into the nuances of it making. Sometimes I try to imagine the works filling a whole wall, in many of these concentrated images, I discover a power and presence that surpasses monumental artworks.

Awards 2011 for the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition

Complementary Award: 6C “ Dampish” by Robbie Poore of Huntington, WV: An array of mechanical elements merges into a new and unified identity of rhythm and pattern.

Complementary Award: : 7A “Just Another Tree-NOT” by Fern Christian of Huntington, WV: The bold color shapes in this little work takes on a monumental, perhaps macrocosmic feel.

Complementary Award: 24C “Hiding” by Anne Grimes of Lavallette, WV: Rich tapestry of warm colors—introspective mood.

Honorable Mention: 17A”Ginger Jar & Shell” by Elaine Hahn of Holiday, FL: Intriguing play of geometric pattern from a heightened viewpoint.

Honorable Mention: 43A “Hidden Treasure” by Debi Davis of Raleigh, NC: This beautifully rendered old rusting car seems a metaphor for all that is passing with time.

Honorable Mention: 51B “Setting Sun” by Wyn Foland of Lavonia, GA: This work has the fresh and accidental feel of nature.

Merit Award: 11A “Rocky Creek” by Beverly Fotheringham North Bend, WA: A well organized turbulence-rich in texture, pattern and deep color.

Merit Award: 35A “The Hermit’s Studio” by H. Francis Sellers of Sandy, UT: A Charming dream- like vision of the neglected artist-at least a dozen micro-miniature paintings within.

Teacher’s Merit Award: 37A “Morning Tea” by Gail Mac Argel of St Peter, MO: Interesting play of precise shapes between the subject and the “picture” within the picture.

Second Place: 44B “Reflective Moment” by Judith E. Bayes of Treasure Island, Fl: This watery sunset evokes a nostalgic mood of quiet and loneliness.

First Place: 16C “A Really Good Beer” by Nita Sue Kent of Huntington, WV: Raw, somber and ritualistic-strong emotional feel.

Award of Excellence: 45C “Wood Pile” by Janet Laird-Lagassee of Auburn, ME: This is a microcosm of restrained hierarchical order—the essence of variety and unity.

And there is still one more award to give out:

The People’s Choice Award

You, the people who attend the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition and vote for your favorite miniature work of art, will choose this last award. So cast your ballot for the one miniature that stands out in your mind as the best in the show.

At the end of the show, we will count the ballots and announce the winner of the People’s Choice Award.