Community Center Show Award Winners Announced
Congratulations to all of the Artists!
Critiques by 2026 judges below
First Place: #33 Sandbars Jan Beaujon Couch
A strong horizontally based composition that projects the harmony of the ocean and shoreline, with a twist: the sandbar becomes a surreal image of connection or transition that sets the entire image in a mystical context. The pastel application is smooth and skilled, giving the viewer the opportunity to reflect on the entire image in a calm, meditative manner.
Critique by Pat Sparkuhl, 2026 judge
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Jan’s pastel evokes mystery and captures a moment in time, maybe a memory or a dream. I am reminded of fleeting moments of awe.
The use of pastel gives rich color and soft texture. The use of linear strips of color creates repetition, while the bounce of reflection interrupts the rhythm and makes the viewer pause.
Critique by Cynthia Sitton 2026 judge
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Email me to meet at CH5 and talk about the art
Honorable Mention #105 Windswept Suha Noursi
This is an image that exudes an inspirational feeling of atmospheric movement. By minimizing the use of colors in the environment, the artist has focused the viewer’s attention on the contrast of the silhouetted foliage with the turbulent sky. The skill shown by the movement in the sky sets this composition apart from most who attempt to express such a scenario.
Critique by Pat Sparkuhl, 2026 judge
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Suha’s oil painting captures the feeling of wind. The brushstrokes carry the eye through the atmosphere and around the bending trees. Without the brushstrokes, the piece would be ordinary and flat.
What could look simplistic is far from it. Every decision has added to the image. The spontaneity has been acquired through practice and confidence.
Critique by Cynthia Sitton 2026 judge
Art Shows & Events
Second Place #29 Piaza Italia Agnes Copeland
A fun and fanciful image created from layering, stenciling, and other collaged materials, combined with paint to create an colorful environment, full of movement and action. The work shows a clear understanding by the artist to internalize experiences and manifest them in a unique and personal expression.
Critique by Pat Sparkuhl, 2026 judge
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Agnes has used collage in a way that feels crowded which gives a sense of the area depicted. The color is bright also adding to the lively environment and atmosphere.
By using the collage, there is a sense of time and history. Layers of stories lie within the scene.
Critique by Cynthia Sitton 2026 judge
Best of Show: #79 Garden of Eden 1 Rose Kong
Terrific execution of design, patterning, and depth of focus on the flowers from a soft application of media into highly detailed petals. Attention to detail is again illustrated with the implied textures on tree and figures. The image personifies a strong cultural appreciation and is reminiscent of early Egyptian and Asian figurative painting and relief. The overall quality of the work is extended to the clean and minimalist frame.
Critique by Pat Sparkuhl, 2026 judge
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I appreciate Ms. Kong’s stylistic mixed media application and use of symbolism. The blossoms of the cherry tree combined with the female figures suggest feminine beauty and power. Spring brings new beginnings and life’s transience.
Technically, there is a control and mastery with the mediums as well as the use and understanding of positive and negative shapes. Patterning is skillfully placed, but not overpowering which adds to the feeling of love and beauty. This patterning is not just used for decoration alone. It is part of the content and adds to the suggestion of harmony and balance. The overall feeling is one of tranquility and beauty, repetition and life’s abundance and change.
Critique by Cynthia Sitton 2026 judge
Third Place #63 Untitled Anne Hakala
A beautifully organized composition that presents a measure of symbolism mixed with organic tones, textures, and markings, resulting in an intriguing, primitive-looking image. The applications of seemingly random markings add to the overall intirgue of the artwork, uniting both contemporary and primitive perspectives.
Critique by Pat Sparkuhl, 2026 judge
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Ms. Hakala captured a sense of science fiction mystery. What is this curious object? Could it be a vessel of some sort? Could this piece be an experiment in formalism, an abstraction? The combination of a central object states it is of importance. The use of collaged material creates a dialogue of time. The colors are muddy and could suggest a dystopian vision. It could also be interpreted as an ancient object that has been formed from the earth and weathered time.
Critique by Cynthia Sitton 2026 judge
LWAA 2026 EVENTS CALENDAR
(Note: This is a tentative listing of events and may change.)
APRIL
Tues Apr 21 THIRD TUESDAY Board info/New Members 5 – 7
MAY
Tues May 5 Forms due for Summer Memories Show 3
Fri May 8 Board Meeting 9-11
Mon/Tue 11/12 Take Down Spring Has Sprung Show Mon 1-4
Tues 9-11
Tues May 12 Intake Summer Memories Show 1130-230
Hang Summer Memories Show 230-4
Sat May 16 Summer Memories Reception 1-230
Tues May 19 THIRD TUESDAY 5 – 7
Mon May 25 Memorial Day Studio Closed
JUNE
Fri Jun 12 Board Meeting 9-11
Sat/Sun Jun 13/14 60th Anniversary Celebration TBD
JULY
Sat Jul 4 Independence Day Studio Closed
Tues Jul 7 Forms Due Cosmic/Atmospheric Show 3
Mon/Tues 13/14Take down Summer Memories Show Mon 1-4
Tues 9-11
Tues Jul 14 Intake Cosmic/Atmospheric 1130 – 230
Hang Cosmic/Atmospheric 230 - 4
Sat Jul 18 Cosmic/Atmospheric Reception 1–2:30 Studio Closed
Tues Jul 21 THIRD TUESDAY 5 – 7
AUGUST
Tues Aug 18 THIRD TUESDAY 5 – 7
SEPTEMBER
Tue Sept 1 Forms due All Things Fall Show 3pm
Sun Sept 6 Take down Cosmic/Atmospheric Show 9-4
Mon Sept 7 Labor Day Studio Closed
Tues Sept 8 Take down Cosmic/Atmospheric Show 9-1
Tues Sept 8 Intake All Things Fall Show 1130 – 230
Hang All Things Fall 230 - 4
Fri Sept 11 Board Meeting 9 – 11
Sat Sept 12 All Things Fall Show Reception 1-2:30 Studio Closed
Tues Sept 15 THIRD TUESDAY 5 – 7 pm
OCTOBER
Fri Oct 9 Board Meeting 9 – 11
Tues Oct 20 General Membership mtg/voting 5 – 7pm
NOVEMBER
Mon/Tues 2/3 Take Down All Things Fall Show Mon 1-4
Tues 9-11
Tues Nov 3 Forms due Winter Show 3pm
Fri/Sat/Sun 6/7/8 Bonanza Studio Closed
Tues Nov 10 Intake Holiday Memories Show 1130 – 230
Hang Holiday Memories Show 230 - 400
Wed Nov 11 Veterans Day Studio Closed
Fri Nov 13 Board Meeting 9 – 11
Sat Nov 14 Holiday Memories Reception 1-2:30 Studio Closed
Tues Nov 17 THIRD TUESDAY 5 – 7
Thurs/Fri 26/27 Thanksgiving Studio Closed
DECEMBER
Mon Dec 7 Holiday Party CH1
Fri Dec 11 Board Meeting 9-11
Thurs/Fri 24/25 Christmas Studio Closed