dated:  July 4, 2010

Green: ON THE EDGE - OPENS THIS WEEKEND!

Green: ON THE EDGE, a visual arts mixed media competition, opens this 4th of July weekend and runs through the summer until September 12th at IMA, on First Street in Friday Harbor. A mix of many of the 'best and brightest' artists across Washington and Oregon State entered the competition to be juried by three top contemporary art jurors.

About the Jurors:

Marisa C. Sanchez — Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Sanchez has written criticism for publications, including a critical essay, An Evolution of Experience, on Hewitt's work and More Than an Object, an essay highlighting significant twentieth century sculptures within SAM's permanent collection. Marisa holds a Masters in Art History, Theory, and Criticism from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Eric Metcalfe — contemporary artist and juror from Vancouver BC spent his formative years in Victoria and Seattle. Co-founder of the Western Front in Vancouver, he has exhibited throughout Canada, Japan, Europe, South America, and the United States.

Tom Toperzer — a consultant, curator, juror, artist, and former Contemporary Art Museum Director was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He received his MFA from the University of Nebraska and presently resides in Moore, Oklahoma.

Results:

The results are a fascinating collection of works by artists who have expressed what 'green' means to them. Everything from environmental statements, recycling taken to new and comic heights, futuristic worlds, nature in the abstract and stunning visual truths. Descriptions by the artists of their work in the show, takes you on a fascinating journey through Green. Your senses will be delighted with this eclectic, visually inspiring and thought provoking show!

Fifteen of the 27 artists accepted into the Exhibition were from the San Juan Islands: 12 from San Juan, 1 each, from Orcas, Waldron, and Lopez. Other areas represented were: Anacortes, Mt. Vernon, Port Townsend, Seattle and Eugene, Oregon.

Two of the three Juror Awards were given to San Juan Island artists: Ann Walbert and Laura Bauer. Their work, along with the work of Sandra McMorris Johnson, a fiber/textile artist and photographer, from Eugene, Oregon, is featured on the beautiful IMA postcard and poster created for the show. There will be an Artist Booklet, accompanying the exhibit, available for sale at the museum, with photos of the 27 artists, their inspiring thoughts about their art and a brief Bio.

See the 27 juried in artists and their work