Award Winners of Wellesley Society of Artists "Close To Home" Exhibit

The Wellesley Society of Artists is pleased to announce the award winners of the "Close To Home" Exhibit held at the Weston Public Library and still on view through the end of February. At our various exhibitions each year, independent judges issue awards to exhibiting WSA Member Artists to recognize special achievement.

Maris Platais was the judge for the “Close to Home” Exhibition, sharing that “There were many more paintings worthy of an award and I wish there had been more awards to give. Although, I am a realistic impressionistic painter, as a judge I consider all genres of paintings.”

First Place was awarded to Janet Montecalvo for her painting, “The Commuter”, Oil 40×30
Judge Maris Platais commented: “Solid Steel. Man vs machine. The strength and drama of this painting is iconic, It evokes the feeling of respect and strength of technology, juxtaposed to the small human figure, “the commuter”. The shadows across the platform suggest speed, where light flashes between buildings and trees. Also the strong, direct colors enhance the excitement of travel. The composition complements this feeling by the strong use of perspective and angular shapes. Technically extremely well rendered.”

Second Place was awarded to Michael Murphy for “The Empty Easel”, Acrylic 30×24. Platais commented: “Powerful magnetism and mobility. Takes you to another almost surreal dimension, like an open canvas that begins with an emotion and abstraction. Looking at the rectangle with its many values of grays, layered on top of one another, defined by bold, confident lines makes the painting undulate, pulsate like it has a beating heart. What will emerge?”

Third Place was awarded to John Sherffius for “Aquarium Rush Hour”, Acrylic 30×48. Platais commented: “The seemingly random movements of the fish actually have a flow that is directed to the right. The three- dimensional volume of the tank is deftly shown by layering brighter over darker colors. Strong movement is created with the use color which is well thought out, creating a vibration culminating in the lower right hand corner with the yellow fish”

Honorable Mentions went to the following artists: Maria Babb, Dayle Bodnar, Samantha Eio, Chelsea Sebastian, & Felicia Tuttle.

For more information, please visit www.welleselysocietyofartists.org.