Art association announces winners of national show

One of the oldest art associations in the nation, the St. Augustine Art Association is celebrating its centennial in grand fashion with events and shows throughout the year. “History Through the Lens of the Artist” challenged artists to observe their surroundings and tell a story of the development and evolution of the culture and people of a community from its inception until today. The exhibit announced the show’s award winners at a grand opening reception July 18 at the St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. The exhibit continues through Aug. 25.

“Each community has its own story to tell,” said Jennifer Flynt, executive director of the association. “Because there are artists participating from all over the country, we get to see such a variety of communities, history, cultural footprints, the events and landmarks represented in this exhibit.”

“History Through the Lens of the Artist” is a national juried show in which professionals and amateur artists entered works in two categories: photography and other mediums, including drawing and painting, printmaking, mixed media and collage, fiber, sculpture, pottery and ceramics. Artists utilized subjects ranging from architecture and landscape to people, events, landmarks, social issues and more.

The following awards winners were announced at the opening reception on July 18:

Photography

• $2,500 Best of Show 100th Anniversary Alice & Clark Alger Award: Christopher Casler “Abolitionist Sojourner Truth”

• $1,000 First Place Award: Karen Sirnick “Uncivil”

• $750 Second Place Award: Daniel Ashe “Abandoned”

• $500 Third Place Award: Olivia Castillo “St. Peter’s Basilica”

• $150 Honorable Mention: Tina Henle “Three Women”

• $150 Honorable Mention: David Wholey “Evolution in Building Design as a Symbol of a City’s 21st Century Transition”

Other Mediums

• $2,500 Best of Show 100th Anniversary Alice & Clark Alger Award: Deborah Bird “Arms of Experience”

• $1,000 First Place Award: Teri Tompkins “Queen of Soul”

• $750 Second Place Award: Gerald Branch “Deeper Attributes”

• $500 Third Place Award: Olga Viotti “Four Seasons Winter 2020”

• $150 Honorable Mention: Alexander Ottich “Flagler College”

• $150 Honorable Mention: John Darovitz “Bridge of Lions”

The “History Through the Lens of the Artist” exhibit is sponsored in part by iTrip, Alice & Clark Alger, The Benjamin and Jean Troemel Arts Foundation and grants from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

The St. Augustine Art Association is located at 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, go to staaa.org.