Maggie Bosco – Juror
Jurying this exhibition was a true honor and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The variety of work submitted reflected not only a high level of technical skill, but also a great deal of heart, humor, and imagination. It was clear that artists embraced the theme in both literal and creative ways—from charming depictions of beloved pets to expressive interpretations of summer’s intensity. With so many strong entries, narrowing down the selections was no easy task, but it was a joy to spend time with each piece and see how uniquely each artist responded to the call.
First Place: “Walk Me”, Vilma Packard, Pastels
The first-place piece stood out to me immediately. The interpretation of summer heat through mood and color, rather than a literal setting, is a standout approach. The vibrant, saturated glow of the floor and the warm undertones in the pup’s fur created a beautiful contrast against the cool, soft shadows. That strong push and pull between warm and cool brought the entire piece to life. Add in the dog’s charming little snarl, and I could almost hear it thinking: “Get me my ice-cold Puppuccino.” It captured not just the look, but the feeling of summer heat in such a strong, playful way. This piece didn’t just illustrate the heat—it radiated it.
Second Place: “The Dogs In The Mirror”, Stephen Brewer, Acrylic
While admiring the second-place painting, I found myself getting joyfully lost in the loose yet confident brushwork—it was painterly, expressive, and full of movement. More than just an image of three dogs at the beach, this piece conveyed a sense of play and adventure, brought to life not just through subject matter, but through dynamic brushstrokes and rhythm.
Third Place: “Endangered”, Jody Goldman, Oil
The third-place painting, a striking painting of a cougar, succeeds in conveying a powerful emotional moment – possibly one of defense, warning or confrontation. The tight composition and bold color dynamics make it feel both intimate and wild, creating a sharp, visual tension. That same sharpness echoed in the cougar’s teeth—a fierce and elegant symbol of intensity, like the sharp bite of heat itself. It was a powerful and commanding piece.
Congrats to the winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all the members and staff of the Herrig Center for the Arts for allowing me to participate in this captivating show!
