Prizes for Portraiture

“The Artist’s Father” by Mark Zelten.

Chez Cheryl Art Space was packed to the walls with an estimated crowd of 100 on Thursday evening’s reception for artists and friends. Guest juror Graeme Reid, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, was on hand to offer comments and announce winners.

Three honorable mentions were named: Mark Zelten for his portrait “The Artist’s Father,” a powerful representational image painted from sketches; Cynthia Wolfe submitted a three-dimensional construction made from fired clay and wood titled “Portrait in Sepia,” its surface is a rich tangle of linear design integrated with a woman’s face; and Rick Risch entered a painting titled “Tomorrow” that portrays a brooding and painterly landscape scene with figure.

Colleen McCarty was awarded a Rookie of the Year award, a newly created category for the Door Prize event. She did a self-portrait in graphite called “Nature Girl,” which portrays her as a leafy organic figure growing out of feathers, leaves and tree limbs.

The Best in Show award went to Paula Swaydan Grebel for her poignant and touching double portrait titled “The Prom.” Painted with gestures and visibly expressive strokes of muted color, the painting speaks to the rites of passage and awkward moments of growing into adulthood.

The Door Prize for Portraiture will be on exhibit until July 31 on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, at 8360 High Plateau Rd., off EE in Baileys Harbor. For more information call 920.421.1690.