Winners announced in ‘This Is Colorado’ art show

Julia Barnett, Arapahoe Pinnacle Art Critic|October 27, 2015

Susan Yager with ‘Vase of Joy.’

The mood was relaxed, but the art was serious at the opening reception for “This is Colorado,” a juried art show at ACC’s Colorado Gallery of the Arts Oct. 23.

The Colorado Gallery of the Arts gives local artists a platform for their work with the intent of promoting involvement in the arts.

This competition was judged by Marsha Wooley, an ACC faculty member. A juried art show is judged according to a specific rubric and the winners are exhibited in a show.

Statewide artists using an endless variety of medium from acrylic paint to pastels competed for a place in the exhibit.

Included in the mix, was a longtime student at ACC, Forrest Plesko, who won the Blick Art Award for his piece, “Gates Tower.” The Blick Award is a prestigious award sponsored by Blick Art Materials, a national company and advocate for the arts.

Listed below are the main winners and the titles of their works:

Susan Yager – Vase of Joy

Lee Wasilik – October, Please Don’t Go

Nancy Raskin – Waterfall

Lee Wasilik with 'October, Please Don't Go.' — Julia Barnett
Lee Wasilik with ‘October, Please Don’t Go.’

Each piece was cleverly crafted by the artist using a specific technique.

For instance, Yager used more of a textured look with her painting, while Wasilik used a softer touch with his strokes to get the wispy, mystical look. Raskin also achieved a softer look that is clean and clear with a gesture painting technique.

The artists chatted about their work with the patrons who casually strolled from piece to piece during the reception while enjoying food and drink provided by the Heritage Fine Arts Guild, which sponsored “This Is Colorado.”

The Guild is a Colorado corporation chartered by local artists, and operating since 1974. Membership in the guild provides access to workshops and events for artists of every level and opportunities to attend and participate in art shows.

More information can be found on the Guild at http://www.heritage-guild.com/ .

“This Is Colorado” will continue through Nov. 13. Gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. It is free of charge to all. The gallery is closed on weekends.