“Rush of Color”
October 25th, 2023 – November 19th, 2023
Sponsored by Seagate Development Group
Hosted by
First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs
9751 Bonita Beach Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
About the Judge
Lauren Dest is the studio manager and artist assistant to internationally known artist, Marcus Jansen. Previously she was the Programs and Gallery Manager at BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island. During her 9 years at BIG ARTS, Dest further developed the Fine Arts program raising the caliber of exhibits to include not only local artists but nationally and internationally known artists and art groups, while also overseeing several other BIG ARTS programs such as film and scholarship. While in college, Dest started her career in the arts as a gallery docent at the Savannah College of Art and Design galleries; Gutstein Gallery, and Pei Ling Chan Gallery. After college, she moved back to Southwest Florida, where she worked for various regional artists. In 2011 Dest
interned for Marcus Jansen at Unit A – Contemporary Art Space in Fort yers. From 2012 – 2015 she worked as a gallery assistant to Veron Ennis and VEMA studio. In 2013 she started as an intern at BIG ARTS and worked to become the Programs and Gallery Manager until her departure in July 2022. Dest still dabbles in creating her own art, recently showing small etchings at local pop-up shows, and does freelance work for artists needing assistance in data-artwork inventory management.
Dest studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art History, with minors in photography and printmaking. As a local, lifelong resident of SWFL, Dest is very dedicated to the arts culture of SWFL and often attends gallery openings and art events in the region.
Judge's Statement
Overall, these works display a wide variety of subject matter, use of materials and techniques. Each work has something special about them that makes them standout making it incredibly hard to select “winners.” Selected works were chosen based on handling of materials and their execution, followed by subject matter’s uniquenessin capturing my attention.
Award Winners
If you are interested in a painting, please email Sales@Fortmyersbeachart.com to verify that the painting is still available.
1st Place and Best in Show
“Sun Touched” by Tamara Culp
Judge’s Comments
This work has simplistic oceanscape
that is zenful to observe. The crash
of the waves, the reflection on the
beach, the small glints of highlights
are all well pronounced with such a
simple palette.
2nd Place
“Glasses Up” by Cheryl Fausel
Judge’s Comments
Another great example of
watercolor with an exquisite
display of reflections in the
glasses.
Third Place
“Relaxation” by JoAnn LaPadula
Judge’s Comments
Beautifully bright colors and
composition make this piece attractive.
The technique used is unique and holds
the viewers’ attention. It feels natural
without being saturated.
Maya Bryant Plein Air Award
“Fishing Village on the Atlantic” by Kathryn McMahon
Judge’s Comments
The selected format in its
smallness draws the viewer in
while still encapsulating the entirety
of the landscape. The muted but still vibrant
colorscapture the essence of this
seemingly quiet fishing village.
Merit Award
“Tuscan Cafe” by Dana Enders
Judge’s Comments
The use of pastels makes this work
exciting to look at. Minimal use and
main dark tones and mainly use
surrounding colors to depict the
scene; and of course those bright
orange umbrellas draw you in.
Merit Award
“fall” by Kathleen Taylor
Judge’s Comments
Beautifully handled watercolor. The
contrast between the blurred
background and the sharp focus of the
subject matter demonstrates this.
Honorable Mention
“Ian 2022” by Irvin Hawkes
Judge’s Comments
Haunting yet hopeful. The
forefront reminding us of a
devastating time in SWFL history
while the sky is gorgeously
painted and reflects better times
to come.
Honorable Mention
“Boston Buoys” by Helen Kinkin
Judge’s Comments
The composition and bright
colors really drew me in. I
wanted to have a closer look at
each buoy and their individual
colors and designs.
2023 Fall Show Entries
Special Thanks
Thank you to our Juror: Lauren Dest
Thank you to our Exhibition Coordinator, Helen Kinkin, and her team members and all of the volunteers who donated their time and hard work to make this show possible.
Thank you to our many volunteers who helped in any and every way possible. We are all one big TEAM.
Many thanks the the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs for donating the show space.
Show Sponsor
We are having our first major show of the season.
We hope you are able to participate.
Read the following information carefully.
Please be prepared to pay your 2023 membership dues when entering the show if you have not done so already.
RECEIVING: Monday, December 12, 2022 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
NOTE: PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY.
Some show rules have changed because we are using borrowed Show space. Example: Your entry form must be filled out BEFORE receiving and ONLINE ONLY, no help will be available for paintings that are not properly wired, and paintings that are juried out must be collected Monday, December. 12th.
ELIGIBILITY: FMBAA Members Only
All questions about the Winter Juried Show must be directed to our Exhibition Chair, Helen Kinkin at exhibition@fortmyersbeachart.com.
