Fresh new shows await January’s visitors at the RAL Art Center, 19 N Main Street, Kilmarnock. “You Be the Judge” is full of eclectic paintings, photographs, sculpture, mosaic, fused glass and mixed media. Visitors can vote for their favorite piece of art, and votes will be counted and announced on January 21.
The “Creative Still Life” exhibit was judged by Doug Mock, an award winning artist and teacher living in White Stone. Mock presented awards and comments at the First Friday reception, January 6. He is the past Director of the RAL Art Center and currently serves on the Board of Directors.
Mock is well known in the art community and creates art inspired by people and nature. His work is characterized by unique design, bold color and creative subject matter. He offers classes and workshops at the University of Richmond, the West End Art Studio of Richmond, the RAL Art Center in Kilmarnock, as well as his working studio in White Stone, Virginia.
Doug chose “Right Yes, Left No,” a mixed media piece by Barbara Brecher for first place. He said this handmade book on silk paper with digital illustration, pressed flowers and watercolors conformed beautifully with the “Creative Still Life” theme. The prominent use of “group mass” composition made this a strong and powerful design, and the wonderful use of complementary colors and shapes contributed to this work being awarded top honors.
He chose “Apples in Wonderland,” a still life pastel by Mel Neale for second place; and third place went to “Anticipating Spring,” a photograph by Debbie Gwaltney.
Honorable mentions were awarded to Harold Burnley for his photograph “Zinnias,” and to Annie Barsky for her photograph “Masquerade.”
These exhibits will remain on display until Saturday, January 28.
The RAL Art Center is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4PM.