Thank you for the distinct honor of judging the annual Faces and Figures exhibit, which was no small feat. There were several pieces worthy of award and I’d like to congratulation all the artists who displayed this month
Here are the pieces that stood out the most to me - 

With much respect and appreciation to all the talent I witnessed today. -Chris van Hillo 

FIRST PLACE: FOUND HAT (Pastels) by Judith Baizan  (Image not available)
Judith captured the essence of innocence through her application of light, shadow, and texture. That innocence resonated with me and grabbed hold of my heart. Brava!

 
SECOND PLACE: FIREDANCE (Watercolor) by Donna Morrison (Image not available)
Donna celebrates the joy and commitment of the Fire Dance ceremony through a cacophony of color and movement. Her attention to detail brings this painting to life.  
 
THIRD PLACE: LEHMAH GBOWEE (Charcoal) by Cora Waterhouse  There is something intrinsically beautiful about the simplicity of charcoal. I love how Cora sketched Lehmah’s face against darkness, eyes gazing forward, as she turns her back to the chaos of life and leaves it behind. 
 
HONORABLE MENTION: HAVE WE MET (Watercolor) by Deb Biasetti (Image not available)
Isn’t this woman lovely - who wouldn’t want to meet her and her little “Roger Rabbit-eyed” dog. I love the hues of green blending into yellow.

HONORABLE MENTION: NO (Sculpture) by Alexandra Smietana 
The lack of expression in this sculpted face evokes serenity, or perhaps acceptance. Who doesn’t need more of that? However, the slightest tilt of the head gave me a sense of peace as I felt the message that it’s all going to be ok! 
 
HONORABLE MENTION: SUNRISE SERENITY (Oil Pastel) by Luis Diaz (Image not available)
There was something disturbingly alluring about this painting that kept drawing me back. Art does not have to be cheery and make us feel good; it just must make us feel.