Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Absolutely the Best and the Brightest


The Scottsdale Artists’ School in Arizona presented their annual juried student show, the Best and the Brightest, now in its twentieth consecutive year.  The show had the look and feel of a prestigious gallery opening.  And for artists hoping to be a professional, inclusion in The Best and the Brightest increases their cachet significantly.

Elizabeth and I attended the show on January 5th and were impressed with the level and diversity of talent. One hundred fifty two works were juried into the show from three hundred and fifty entries. Anticipation filled the air as awards were presented for exceptional work in oils, water media, Drawing/Pastel and Sculpture.

RayMar sponsored the Best Oil Painting Award.  We presented a $250 merchandise certificate to Brenda Lee Gibson for her sensitive portrait, “Instinct” of a young girl cradling her doll.  Brenda was visibly thrilled as we gathered around her painting for a photograph. After the photo when Brenda turned to me and said “My painting is on one of your RayMar panels and I just love them”, we felt like winners, too. – Cathy Dietrich