SCVWS Award Winners 2008

Awards Juror: Preston Metcalf

Preston Metcalf says he is blessed with the ability to recognize great art, but cursed with the inability to produce it … that is why he is a curator and art historian. Preston began his career as a Curator of Art at the San Jose Museum of Art. He then moved to the Triton Museum of Art, first as Curator of Education, then as Assistant Director for several years. Preston then went on to become Executive Director of the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art.  He has lectured on art and art history throughout the country and abroad.  He has had published more than sixty articles and essays on artists and art history. After a brief interlude of teaching and writing, he returned to the Triton Museum, where he now works as Manager of External Affairs and Curator of Art.  He also teaches Art History at Mission College, San Jose City College, and the Triton Museum of Art.

Preston Metcalf with the Award Winners
Standing from left to right: Preston Metcalf, Terri Hill, Mary Hopf, Lynn O'Brien, Jane Ferguson, Candy Yu, Nancy Collins, Belinda Lima, Myrna Wacknov, Carolyn Larsen, Bernice Owens
Front from left to right: Nina Uppalura, Rajani Balaram, Taryn Curiel, Nancy Near, Lyn Garadis
Photograph by Nava Attia-Benoit

1st Place

The Rim by Nina Uppaluru Juror’s Comments: “Seems to defy realistic color and attention to detail. I feel as if I am looking at the rim of the abyss. A beautiful blending of traditional landscape with an abstraction of techniques that draws me in.”

2nd Place

The Jagged Edge by Terri Hill Juror’s Comments: “To achieve a close-up without belaboring every minute detail is difficult and often desirable. The suggestion of shadows, reflections and discolorations on the foliage all add to the realism, without sacrificing a sense of a quick glimpse.”

3rd Place

Out of Service in Hong Kong by Mary Hopf Juror’s Comments:“A captured moment in time and culture. It brings me to a place where I would like to be.”

Beyond the Surface (Complete set of Watercolor paints, donated by M.Graham)

Edging Towards the Horizon by Rajani Balaram Juror’s Comments: “Looking into eternity has never been so playful. The strong use of color enhances the surreal quality and the very real enjoyment.”

Honorable Mentions

	Strumming Alone by Belinda Lima Juror’s comments: “Mood overrides everything in this musical poem. I would stop and listen to this man."
	Simple by Taryn Curiel Juror’s comments: “Anything but simple. A combination of watercolor with mark-making makes this a contemplative piece that needs to be studied rather than passed by.”
	Edge of Earth by Jane Ferguson Juror’s Comments: “Urban abstraction gives me a sense of driving home. The journey is sometimes difficult but always rewarding in the end.”

Emerging Artist

Artichokes by Lynn O'Brien Juror's comments: “Ink contours over watercolor can sometimes be trite, but this work uses the ink to enhance the idea of artichokes rather than reproduce the object.”

Sponsor Awards

SCVWS would like to give a big THANK YOU to our sponsors for their generous support: M. Graham, University Art, Picture Element, Accent Arts, Creative Catalyst, Daniel Smith, Union Avenue Framing, and Art & Frames Unlimited

University Art ($200)	Picture Element ($150)
Relaxed Mark - Mohawk Down! by Nancy Near  Juror’s Comment: “The realism achieved with watercolor is exquisite. High contrast of light on the edges makes the figure pop out.”	Tea of the August Moon by Patricia Osborne Jurors Comment: “The multilayered and multicolored approach to an otherwise traditional landscape gives this work a dreamlike quality which I find very appealing.”
Picture Element ($150)	University Art ($100)
The Three Amigos by Nancy Collins Juror’s Comment: “Green braying zebras! Need I say more?”	On the Edge of Toes by Candy Yu Juror’s Comment: “A traditional and well exercised theme surpasses the simple image with the dissolving reflections cast on the floor, adding depth and harmony to the overall composition.”
Accent Arts ($75)	Creative Catalyst ($60)
On the Edge of Perception by Myrna Wacknov Juror's Comment: “Psychology and personality dominate this painting. I want to know what she is thinking about.”	John's Cactus by Bernice Owens Juror's Comment: “Specialized watercolor techniques enhance the role of nature rather than take away from it.”
Creative Catalyst ($60)	Daniel Smith ($60)
On the Edge of Abstractivity by Patricia Rohovit Juror's Comment: “The centralizing of lighter hues in the middle conveys the sense of looking out from a cave; a sense of all Paleolithic abstraction.  This painting is a worthy grandchild."	Joel by Shirley Motmans Juror's Comment: “A study of a contemplative mind that just happens to be wrapped in a delicate portrait”
University Art ($50)	Union Framing ($50)
On the Edge of Walden Pond by Kay Duffy Juror's Comment: “Social commentary meets mixed media in a very 21st century manner. It echoes the mass media that so dominates our lives today."	Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Maine by Lyn Garadis Juror's Comment: “An overall simplicity to the application of paint brings it into the realm of memories.”
Arts and Frames Unlimited ($25)
On the Edge of Possibilities by Carolyn Larsen Juror's Comment: “The  whimsical dreamlike coloration converts these crumbling stairs into romantic ruins."

Popular Choice Vote

1st Place: Relaxed Mark - Mohawk Down! by Nancy Near

2nd Place: Lost Edges by Nava Attia-Benoit

3rd Place: On the Edge of Toes by Candy Yu