PATRICK STAVENS of Portland earned second place for his piece, titled “Linked,” created with acrylic paint, molding paste and plastic on foam, in the Harlow’s 23rd annual art show. PHOTO COURTESY HARLOW ART GALLERY
HALLOWELL
The Harlow recently conducted Art2018 — its 23rd annual juried art show — handing out awards to seven Maine artists.
The show — a tradition that draws artists to Hallowell from all over the state — will remain on view through June 2 at the gallery.
Prizes were awarded at an opening reception Wednesday, May 9.
Best in Show and a $500 cash prize sponsored by The Kennebec Valley Art Association was awarded to Ian Trask of Topsham for his mixed media assemblage entitled “Parlay.”
“Ian’s use of a multitude of layers in both idea and materials is truly intriguing,” wrote show juror Bethany Engstrom — a curator, artist and educator living in Belfast — wrote. “The reuse and layering of found materials draws the viewer in to create these strange narratives along with their own.”
Second place, with a $250 cash prize sponsored by McKee Law was awarded to Patrick Stavens of Portland for his piece titled “Linked,” made with acrylic paint, molding paste and plastic on foam.
JULIE K. GRAY of Saco won the Juror’s Choice Prize at the Harlow’s 23rd annual art show for her piece, “EVP Recording Equipment,” created from papier-mache, acrylic, plastic, ribbon and yarn. PHOTO COURTESY HARLOW ART GALLERY
“Patrick’s handling of materials is deceptively suggestive, and creates an instant engagement with those materials,” said Engstrom. “It takes a moment to realize what you are seeing, and then you look more.”
Juror’s Choice Prize, and a $200 cash prize sponsored by the Stevens Commons was awarded to Julie K. Gray of Saco for her piece entitled “EVP Recording Equipment” made from papier-mache, acrylic, plastic, ribbon and yarn.
“There is a playfulness in Julie’s work that evokes humor and nostalgia but there is also that moment when looking at them that makes you question the memories and thoughts that they bring up,” wrote Engstrom. “Sometimes good and, sometimes, maybe not.”
Third place, with a $100 cash prize sponsored by G&E Roofing was awarded to Matt Demers of Gardiner for his mixed media painting entitled “See Me.”
“The energy expressed in the marks made by Matt, combined with the collaged elements lead to an exciting story, one that eludes and questions time and draws you in closer,” said Engstrom.
IAN TRASK of Topsham took Best in Show at the Harlow’s 23rd annual art show, for his mixed media assemblage, “Parlay.” PHOTO COURTESY HARLOW ART GALLERY
The following artists were awarded honorable mentions:
James Chute of Freeport for his piece “180120,” which is made with black gesso with traces of red acrylic on incised wood panel.
“With the flatness or the surface and the placement of the incised lines,” Engstrom wrote, “James’s work creates a space for contemplation and, as with the title, presents a multitude of questions for the viewer.”
Andrew Elijah Edwards of Topsham for his untitled video installation.
“The merging of new and older technology in Andrew’s work, layered with an animation that engages your imagination,” said Engstrom, “activates the viewer and allows you to participate with the work fully.”
Nancy Kureth of Lyman for her acrylic paint on birch titled “Provocative Female.”
“In Nancy’s work, the title says it all!” wrote Engstrom. “There are many, many narratives that are provoked by this pink chair in the woods on a stormy day.”
MATT DEMERS of Gardiner earned third place at the Harlow’s 23rd annual art show for his mixed media painting, “See Me.” PHOTO COURTESY HARLOW ART GALLERY
During the exhibition, gallery visitors are invited to vote for their favorite work of art. At the end of the show the winner of the popular vote will receive the People’s Choice Award,a $100 cash prize sponsored by The Animal Wellness Center of Augusta.
This year’s juror, Engstrom is associate curator at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland and was previously at the Farnsworth Art Museum. She has taught as an adjunct instructor at Unity College and the Intermedia MFA program at University of Maine. She received a bachelors degree in Art History, her masters in Intermedia, and an interdisciplinary doctorate in Intermedial Collaborative Practices, all from the University of Maine. She was a 2017-2018 artist in residence at the Ellis-Beauregard Foundation and a 2013 fellow at Mildred’s Lane.
Programming is funded in part by a Partnership Grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Art.
The Harlow is a membership based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to connecting and celebrating art, artists and community in downtown historic Hallowell since 1963. Exhibitions are always free and open to the public.
The Harlow Gallery is located at 100 Water St. in Hallowell. Its hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
For more information please visit harlowgallery.org or call (207) 622-3813.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
