The 78th Annual May Show | May 7 – June 18

The Mansfield Art Center kicked off The 78th Annual May Show featuring innovative work in all mediums representing a broad range of exciting and diverse talent. The May Show is a highlight of the year, giving us a fresh look at current works from across the region, and has become a premiere show for the state. Both artists and visitors consider it a motivating and beloved exhibition. Of 544 submitted works this year, guest juror Adam Brouillette of Blockfort Gallery selected 124 pieces to be represented in the show. Visitors will find everything from large scale oil paintings, to small intricately detailed pieces, and even a modern tufted homage to grandma titled, “Nana Cooking Sauce in the Kitchen.”

“Overall, the entire body of work presented was such a pleasure to review. It encourages me that such a large number of pieces were submitted and that so many people want to share their talents with the world. I admire, especially in the world we live in, the people willing to create and share. I left the jurying process full of excitement for seeing so many talents being displayed and so many people wanting to make something wonderful, thoughtful, and enjoyable,” shared Brouillette.

Awards and Recognition took place at the Opening on Sunday, May 7. This year’s award recipients are: Fred “Fritz” Culler Award for Best in Show | Janet Marsano “The Panty Ballet”, Whitten Studio Award for Ceramics | Judith Smith Miller “Chess Set”, Thomas Gene Zaugg Award for Watercolor | Ken Marshall “Girl in the Blue Chair”, Susan B. Smith Award for Fiber | Tony Sansalone “Nana Cooking Sauce in the Kitchen”, Sid Yellen Award for Photography | Lani Edwards “Alienation- Non-Identity”, Margaret Twitchell Swank Award for Painting | Robert J. Putka “Border Garden / Crazy Quilt / Drunkard’s Path”, Mechanics Bank Award of Excellence | John Thrasher “Reducing Nature’s Embrace” and Ron Lape “Lizzy & Friends”, Award of Innovation | Abby Hostettler “Arcanum”, Honorable Mentions | Wilhelmina Marks “Among the Flowers” and “Chick-mas Tree”, Richard Hostetler “Subarashi Kabuto” and Barbara Nell Morejon “Gemsbok” and “Giraffe”.

Over 600 guests attended the Opening Reception, and the galleries were bustling with enthusiasm. The 78th Annual May Show is on view now through June 18, and is Free & Open to All with donations always appreciated. Thank you to our show sponsor Mechanics Bank for their generous support.

Sponsored by:

Summer Concert Series