May 9 – June 6

“The first impression upon walking into the gallery spaces and seeing nearly four hundred pieces of artwork lined up along the walls, others carefully arranged on the floor and even more sitting on pedestals was both exhilarating and humbling. I realized the task of selecting work from such a diverse collection would not be easy”, according to Michael Martell, this year’s 76th juror for the Annual May Show.

One hundred thirty six Ohio artists submitted 399 pieces of art. Juror Michael Martell selected 178 pieces represented by 94 artists. Martell’s pottery has evolved over two decades from traditional to expressive graceful pieces with contemporary form. He is the owner of the Zeber-Martell Gallery.

Executive Director George Whitten said, “The judging was very competitive, almost overwhelming due to the huge number of pieces submitted this year. The quality of work is remarkable.”

The diversity of the show is reflected in the wide range of styles and mediums used to create complex and amazing pieces of which 134 are 2D wall pieces and 44 are 3D pedestal pieces. The Best of Show winner, Tony Sansalone is a newcomer to the May Show, but has grown up in the area and is currently attending BGSU majoring in studio art with a focus in drawing and painting. His body of work is large scale realistic drawings of figures. Sansalone loves the large scale drawings and refers to them as “the elephants in the room.”

Best of Show – Tony Sansalone
Mechanics Bank Award of Excellence – Barbara Nell Morejon, Ron Lape, Benjamin Johnson and Kevin Buckland
The Margaret Twitchell Swank Award for Painting – Kevin Oswalt
The Whitten Studio Award for Ceramics – Tom Radca
Susan B. Smith Award for Fiber – Terry Hartzell
Thomas Gene Zaugg Award for Watercolor – Jack Hickson
Blick Material Awards for Innovation -Mindy Wilson Duncan, Tim Gorka and Lucas Hargis
The Sid Yellen Award for Photography – Wilhelmina Marks
Honorable Mentions – Spencer Cunningham, Christine Herman, Mary Holobaugh, Mary Jo Knoch, Cynthia C. Petry, Robyn Schaffer, Peggy Stover, Frank Susi and Heidi L. Weller

“A huge round of applause is well deserved for the award winners’ exceptional talent and I salute the many creative Ohio artists who make the Annual May Show a very special exhibition for our community”, says Executive Director Whitten.

Sponsored by:

Reach Gallery | Jane Johnson | Feel What I See: Painting for Connection

April 3 – May 15

My interest in Art began at a very early age, continued through high school and onto College where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 1974. I am currently a member of the Mansfield Art Center, the Ohio Pastel Artists League, and a Signature Member of the Colored Pencil Society of America. I also belong to two informal Plein Air painting groups: The Art Sisters in Richland County and The Group in Marblehead, Ohio.

I endeavor to create a visual story, however fleeting, when painting from life. If my audience is able to experience the scene or posing model in a vivid and intimate manner, I consider my art work to be a success.

Sponsored by: