BAYarts juried show raises the bar

"At the Easel," a painting by Tricia Kaman. Photo by Nancy Heaton

On March 10 the BAYarts Annual Juried Exhibition opened. This exhibition features regional artists in all disciplines. Artists were invited to submit online, and the work was reviewed by judges selected by Artistic Director Karen Petkovic.

The judges this year were Adrian Eisenhower and Chad Cochran. Eisenhower, primarily a painter, focuses his work on landscape and the human figure working out of the Walton Avenue Atelier located in Cleveland’s Hildebrandt Building on Walton Avenue. Cochran, a photographer, describes himself as a late bloomer; he didn’t own a camera until he was 40 and started with landscape. Now, 10 years later after being asked to take a photograph of a musician, he travels back and forth between Cleveland and Nashville.

The judges were selected based on the strength of their own work and their ability to review work with a critical eye. Both are residents of Bay Village, and both have close ties to BAYarts. Petkovic feels it is important at a community art center to make sure that the art of the community is well represented. She was thrilled to see so many artists familiar to her from BAYarts make it into the show this year.

The Best of Show award went to ceramic artist Michael W. High for his piece titled "Behind the Mask." BAYarts instructor Erjon Hajnaj took home the First Place Award for his painting titled "Am I Strong Enough Now." Avon Lake photographer Jack Koch took home the Director’s Choice Award. A list of all the winners can be found at bayarts.net.

The Juried Show will run through April 15. Gallery Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You still have time to vote for your favorite by visiting the gallery and completing a People’s Choice Ballot. The winner will be announced on March 24.

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:16 AM, 03.21.2023