Annual exhibition features regional artists
The Art Barn School of Art announces its 28th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, running from April 2 through May 19, 2022. The exhibition attracted 262 entries from 110 aspiring and established artists from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota and California. Selected for the show are 90 pieces ranging from drawing, painting, pastels, printmaking, mixed media, photography, glass, textile and ceramic art.
“We are proud to continue the longstanding tradition of our late founder Jan Sullivan. As we come near the end of a year-long celebration of Jan’s 100th birthday, we again dedicate this year’s exhibition to her and her contribution to the arts in the region,” said Amy Davis Navardauskas, Art Barn Executive Director. “The quality of artwork is more impressive every year. I commend the efforts of each and every artist who submitted work for this exhibition.”
There will be an artists’ reception on April 9, from 6:00 to 8:00pm (CDT) with an awards presentation at 7:00pm. The public is invited to meet and greet the artists and Art Barn staff and board members. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a cash bar.
Art Barn will distribute over $3850 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.
Art Barn thanks the many individuals and businesses who contributed and helped us to reach our fundraising goal. The following donors directly support working artists in the region: Konrady Plastics and Sandy Appleby (Exhibition Sponsors), Sue & Andy Arnold (Best of Show Sponsor), and Alice Moss (Food Sponsor). Thank you!
The following donors provided Purchase Awards (a commitment to purchase artwork from the exhibition) in support of working artists: Marc T. Nielsen Interiors, Debbie Nau and Bill Wilson.
The following donors provided Merit Awards in the form of cash or gift certificates in support of working artists: Leonard Anglis, DDS, Andrew and Susan Arnold (Best In Show Award), Blick Art Materials, Cosmopolitan Dentistry, Amy Davis Navardauskas, Glenn L. Firme Assoc. Art Supplies, Dina Heijselaar, Julia Holmaas and James May (Emerging Artist Award), Larry and Sandra Holt, Jack Richeson Art Supplies, Charles and Denise Kirkland, Barbara J. Lucente, Strack & Van Til Food Market, and Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
Our 2022 Juror, James Swanson, originally from Beloit, WI, sought to be a forest ranger but found (in his words) he “was better at painting trees than identifying them”. He received his BFA from The Columbus College of Art and Design where he studied illustration and later worked as an art director for ad agencies in Chicago, IL. James Swanson is represented in galleries around the United States. He is a Signature Artist member of The National Oil & Acrylic Society, The American Impressionists Society, and The Oil Painters of America. He has received numerous Best of Show Awards as well as the Quinquagenary Grand Prize in Painting at the 73rd Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition at the Swope Art Museum, which was later purchased by the Art Museum for their collection.
Jurors Statement: “I have worked in many mediums over my career and appreciate all kinds of artwork. During my review of submissions I’ll be looking for strong ideas, design and composition, as well as excellence in draftsmanship, use of color and technique.”
“The 28th Juried Art exhibition is a tribute to the 50-year legacy of our founder and a history-making beginning of the next 50 years of arts leadership,” said Navardauskas.
Photo: "Sunflower Sunset" by exhibiting artist, Abigail Unzicker
ABOUT:
Art Barn School of Art is dedicated to fostering a love of art in its unique 69-acre environment in Porter County, IN. Art Barn offers a full range of art education classes for children and adults and is a venue for performing arts, meetings and weddings. Art Barn will be hosting a culminating gala fundraiser on June 4 to honor our founder, acknowledge Art Barn’s 50-year history of providing quality art education, and support the continuation and growth of our programming and operations. Another major event is our 5th annual outdoor Art Blitz on September 17 and 18 which engages visitors in art-making, demonstrations, music and food.