(Above: Florence artist Colleen Goodwin-Chronister’s oil painting, “Losing My Marbles #5” is one of the many artworks in a national juried show at the Emerald Art Center)

By Randi Bjornstad

One of the most exciting stops on the May 2019 Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Springfield undoubtedly is the Emerald Art Center’s 14th annual Emerald Spring Exhibition, a juried show that attracts entries from all over the United States.

The show runs through May, and the 64 pieces selected for inclusion were chosen by judge Anji Grainger, an award-winning watercolorist and instructor from Portland.

The art center amassed a pot of $5,000 that Grainger has awarded to various pieces of art in various categories. A public awards reception will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Emerald Art Center at 500 Main St. during the May 10 art walk.

At the close of the show at the end of May one piece in the show will be declared the People’s Choice, to be determined via a vote of everyone who sees the show and takes the time to fill out a ballot touting their favorite piece.

Here are some more works that are on the walls at the Emerald Art Center’s juried show; the center also has a listing of other galleries and businesses open during May’s Second Friday Art Walk:

Seattle Story 17 — Pike Market Place, acrylic by Hyosoon Jung
Behind These Eyes, acrylic by Colette Gerstenmaier of Virginia Beach, VA
Oil painting, Daffodil Solace, by Harrisburg artist Jerry Dame
Listen, a watercolor by artist Sophia Siddiqui of Mililani, HI

Here’s a list of this year’s winners:

  • Best of Show Award, $1500: James Maria of West Lawn, PA -— It’s The Little Things You Miss
  • Gold Medal Award, $1,000: Michael Kelly of Beaverton — Figure Seated
  • Silver Medal Award, $700: Margaret Plumb of Elmira — Alleyway
  • Bronze Medal Award, $500: Amanda James of Lake Oswego — On a Crowded Bus
  • Award of Distinction, $300: Jeremy Davis of Portland — Snow Break
  • Award of Excellence, $250: Colleen Goodwin-Chronister of Florence — Losing My Marbles #5
  • Founder’s Award, $200: Jo Dunnick of Dexter — Overflow
  • Merit Award, $200: Theresa Hirschmann of Tigard — Tide Pools 4
  • Merit Award, $200: Linda Hoffman-Snodgrass of Phoenix (Ore.) — Twilight
  • Merit Award, $200: Steve Seals of Junction City — Saturday Market with Flowers
  • Certificate of Recognition, $100: Hyosoon Jung of Seattle — Seattle Story 17 Pike Market Place
  • Certificate of Recognition, $100: Terry Orletsky of San Diego — Upon the Heath
  • Certificate of Recognition, $100: Junkyu Lee of Lynwood, Wash. — Cherry Street in Seattle
  • Achievement Award, $50: Lynda Lindner of Gig Harbor, Wash. — Girl Reading
  • Achievement Award, $50: Liz Walker of Beaverton — Blue Bonnet