Exhibit Winners Named

published in The Daily Item, www.dailyitem.com, Thursday, July 16, 2009. Pages D1 & D2

The Susquehanna Art Society awarded cash prizes, honorable mentions and certificates of merit to several artists at its 2009 Art Exhibit awards reception on July 9.

This is approximately the 30th year of the annual juried art exhibit and awards reception, according to Susquehanna Art Society president Rodney Ries. It was previously held at Selinsgrove Area High School but has since switched venues to the community room in the Degenstein library, 40 S. Fifth St., Sunbury.

Ries explained that because of renovation construction at the high school, the Degenstein Library was used in 2008 and consequently invited the art society and exhibit back to its community room this year.

The 2009 art exhibit commands 314 pieces of art in various categories which were submitted by 134 artists. Of these 134 artists, 131 are Central Susquehanna Valley residents.

Artists were required to submit a $5 entry fee per piece and $2,000 in cash prizes were handed out.

This year’s exhibit had the “most entries ever received,” Ries said. It was juried by Brian Keeler of Wyalusing. Keeler is a graduate of the York Academy of Art and boasts a career in art for over 30 years. He involves himself in many local art projects and founded the Blue Heron Gallery in Wyalusing.

Keeler examined each entry and selected the show’s winners in the student/beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Each skill level included categories such as drawing, opaque painting, pastels, photography, oil, pencil, watercolor and mixed media.

“I found some truly wonderful pieces in the show that I connected with immediately by artists whom I did not know of previously,” Keeler said.

Speaking about his experience as the exhibit’s juror, Keeler explained that “the high level of skill and beauty of conception and articulation on a few of my favorites allowed for a rewarding process.” Forty-five awards were announced during the reception, including certifications of merit, first and second place, and honorable mentions. Local residents made up 43 of the winners. In addition to the cash prizes, winners were given award certificates and ribbons.

The art exhibit brought out artists of all ages and backgrounds. Mariana Arnabar, of Danville, entered the exhibit and won a certificate of merit in the Student/Beginner Oil category for the piece “Self-Portrait.” Arnabar is only 6 years old.

Ruth Lundberg, a Selinsgrove resident and a first place winner in the Advanced Drawing and Advanced Pastels categories, has entered the Susquehanna Art Society show every year since 1994, when she retired from her full time job. Lundberg described the reception as “really nice … lots of people came.” The art exhibit and awards reception rely heavily on volunteers and donations. The ongoing support of residents and businesses in the Central Susquehanna Valley have made it a continued success.

The art exhibit is open to the public during regular Degenstein Library hours through Saturday. The public is encouraged to visit the exhibit and vote on the Popular Choice of Show award, an award and cash prize given to two artists with the most popular pieces. Ballots are available at the reception table.

Many pieces in the art exhibit are also available for purchase from the artists and most prices are listed in the art exhibit’s list of entries.

The Susquehanna Art Society intends “to bring exciting and challenging contemporary art to our members and to the communities and donors that support us” with its annual art show.

The society has over 100 members and holds meetings throughout the Central Susquehanna Valley. Past meetings have been held at Susquehanna University’s art gallery and many local artists’ studios. Correspondence can be addressed to Susquehanna Art Society, P.O. Box 224, Selinsgrove, PA 17870.