The Art Barn School of Art announces its 31st Annual Juried Art Exhibition, running from April 4 through June 5, 2025. The exhibition attracted 245 entries from 131 aspiring and established artists from California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Washington DC, and Wisconsin. Selected for the show are 74 pieces ranging from drawing, painting, pastels, printmaking, mixed media, photography, fiber and ceramic art.
“Congratulations to those who were selected to be included in this year's exhibition,” said Amy Davis Navardauskas, Art Barn Executive Director. “Their work is among the 30% of selected pieces and among 70 of the 131 artists selected to participate. Due to the large number of submissions coming from across the nation, competition was quite high again this year."
There will be an artists’ reception on April 11, from 5:00 to 8:00pm (CDT) with an awards presentation at 6:30pm. The public is invited to meet and greet the artists, enjoy light bites and refreshments, and a cash bar.
Art Barn will distribute over $5000 in purchase and merit awards. These awards support working artists in Northwest Indiana and help to build the creative capital in our community and beyond. Proceeds generated from this exhibition, aside from awards, support Art Barn educational programs and exhibitions.
The following donors provided Sponsorship for the exhibition's Best In Show Award: Sue & Andy Arnold
The following donors provided Merit & Purchase Awards (a commitment to purchase artwork from the exhibition) in support of working artists: Sandy Appleby, Leonard Anglis DDS, Ancillaerie, Anderson's Winery & Vineyard, Blick Art Materials, Linda Canfield, Chesterton Women's Club, Cone Four Alchemists, Cosmopolitan Dentistry, Family of Jean Head, Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service, Julia Holmaas & Dr. James May, Larry & Sandy Holt, Charles & Denise Kirkland, Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill, Marc T. Nelson Interiors, Philip's Ace Hardware, Ginny Takacs, The Great Frame Up, Third Coast Spice Cafe, United Art & Education, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, William T. Wilson.
This year's diverse team of jurors are working, teaching artists whose experience aligns directly with our educational mission, ensuring the highest standards and integrity. Juror Betty Carr is an upcoming Guest Artist and master painter in the American Impressionist Society, juror Sarah Rehmer is a previous Guest Artist and Chicago-based encaustic artist, and juror Amy Palatnick (Amy the Potter) is a California-based potter and online instructor.
Betty Carr earned an MA from San Jose State University, CA. She instructs painting, drawing and sculpture at primary, secondary and college levels and has developed a following through both private and workshop instruction, including at Art Barn School of Art. Her work is collected by individuals and corporations, and has been selected for numerous juried exhibitions. Betty was recently selected as a master painter in the American Impressionist Society and she is a signature member of Arizona Plein Air Painters Association. Carr returns to teach "Luminous Paintings in Watercolor", a 3-day guest artist workshop June 20-22 at Art Barn. Register at https://www.artbarnschool.org/service-page/luminous-paintings-in-watercolor?category=46bdf520-cb40-41e4-8b49-a4468ef690d3&referral=service_list_widget
Check out Betty's website here: https://bettycarrfineart.com/
Sarah Rehmer earned her BA in Graphic Design and Photography from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Her work is held in private collections internationally. Rehmer is based in the Chicago area and teaches classes and workshops around the Midwest. Her ongoing body of encaustic work uses photography and pages from dismantled and decaying antique books. Rehmer is a 2012 Illinois Arts Council Professional Development Grant recipient and her work is held in private collections in around the United States, Canada, Italy, and Norway, as well as Institutional and Corporate collections in Illinois and New York. Rehmer teaches classes and workshops around the Midwest and on occasion a little further away. In 2024 Rehmer taught a 2-day eco-dye workshop at the Art Barn that utilized natural materials found on our campus, incorporating the natural world into art-making. Her eco-dye process is an increasingly popular art technique as people look to inspiration from nature, and uses everyday found materials to create a pleasing result. Visit her website here: https://rehmer-studio.com/
Amy Palatnick "Amy the Potter" began her wheel-throwing journey in 1989 and fell in love with clay so quickly and completely that she chose pottery over medical school. She moved to Texas for an apprenticeship at a production pottery, where she was blessed to work under a group of Master Potters. Specializing in high-quality, functional pottery, Amy moved to the Northwest and established a thriving business at a local Saturday Market, where her colorful, sophisticated work has been enjoyed widely for decades. Recently relocated to Santa Cruz, California, Amy has become a passionate online teacher, sharing invaluable tips and techniques while emphasizing body awareness to help prevent injuries and prioritize joy in the studio. She runs a unique 9-month online cohort to help potters elevate their skills through production-style work, and also offers a self-guided program for those who prefer to learn at their own pace. Join Amy for a workshop, follow her on social media, or consider enrolling in one of her programs to tap into this treasure trove of insights, hacks, and pure inspiration! Visit her website here: www.amypalatnick.com/amythepotter
1st Photo: "Remember" by 2024 Best in Show artist, Miranda Heward
2nd Photo: Artists, friends, and families gathered in anticipation for the 2024 Juried Art Exhibition Award Ceremony.
ABOUT:
Art Barn offers a diverse range of programs, including adult & youth classes, community workshops, and guest artist workshops, fostering creativity, diversity, and connection. On May 30 at The Great Hall at Purdue Northwest, Art Barn will host their annual gala fundraiser, One To Grow On, with this year's theme being "An Inspired journey". In September, Art Barn hosts its annual outdoor Art Blitz which engages thousands of visitors in art-making, demonstrations and fun for the whole family. The mission of the Art Barn School of Art is to inspire creativity across generations by providing an inclusive, nature-based space where artists of all skill levels can explore, experiment and grow through the arts.