MANSFIELD — August is the new May at the Mansfield Art Center this year.
One of the art center’s most popular shows must go on, even a few months late. One hundred Ohio artists submitted 224 pieces, juried by Andy Hudson, collector and artist.
“The breadth and depth of the entries was overwhelming,” Hudson said.
After many hours of reviewing and selecting works, Hudson chose 121 works representing 76 artists.
As an artist, collector and docent at three contemporary art galleries, Dr. Hudson comes with a vast amount of experience.
“In these times of a world pandemic, it’s reassuring to know COVID-19 can’t stop the creation of wonderful contemporary art and the May Show entries are ample proof of the fact. It’s good to know that art persists,” Hudson said. “The creativity and vision of the artists represented here should reassure us all that the spirit of originality and imagination cannot be quashed even by endemic adversity.”
The Best of Show award was given to artist Randy Bennett of Rudolph, Ohio for his body of work, consisting of four mixed media pieces.
The show’s sponsor, Mechanics Bank , provided Awards of Excellence to Ron Abrams, Martha Fort, Chris Misencik-Bunn and Laura Barhardt Corle.
Sarah Torgison received the Whitten Studio Award for Ceramics.
Cathy Huber received the Sid Yellen Award for Photography.
The Margaret Twitchell Swank Award for Painting was received by Judith Smith Miller.
Susan B. Smith Award for Fiber was received by Barbara Nell Morejon.
Three Blick Art Material Awards for Innovation were received by MP Marion, Steven Stemple and Janet L. Marsano.
Honorable Mentions were awarded to Peggy Stover, George Whitten, Susan Shafer, Robin Roberts, Mary Holobaugh and Benjamin Johnson.
The 75th annual May Show will be up through Sept. 13 at 700 Marion Ave., Mansfield. The show is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday though Sunday. This event is free and open to the public thanks to the sponsorship of Mechanics Bank. For further information, visit mansfieldartcenter.org. Masks are required as well as social distancing at this time.
