Judge’s Statement: Thank you for the opportunity to view your work for this exhibition; to be able to look at all these amazing works of art and select this exhibition and the award winners is always a treat. After nearly 25 years of doing curatorial work at the Morean Arts Center, I continue to be amazed at the depth and breadth of artistic talent in the Tampa Bay area. How lucky are we to live here among all this beauty?

This was my first visit to the Old Hyde Park Art Center, and I was impressed by the way the space is used, and the extent of the programs offered in such a small yet powerful facility. Kudos to the staff, volunteers and artists who make special places like this such a joy to visit and be part of.

Selecting work for this exhibition was difficult due to the fine quality of work presented for judging. All judges say this, and for me, it’s always true. Even more difficult was selecting award winners for the exhibition. One thing that impressed me was how strong each of the categories was---all of them were well-represented. Out of all the work in the show, Rhys Meatyard’s “Even Darkness Must Pass” really stood out to me. The narrative quality of the painting, the color palette and delicate line work combined with the lovely, hand-crafted frame made for one big award-winning work of art.

There are numerous other pieces in the exhibition that are worth individual mention, but we don’t have time and space here. Thank you again for the privilege of viewing your work and giving my opinion on it. Keep creating and doing what you’re doing: making this world a better place by making us see it through your eyes.

Amanda Cooper, Curator of Exhibitions, Morean Arts Center