James King Bonnar 2021 Award Winners
Bonnar Prize Winners Showcase Diverse Themes, Media
At the James King Bonnar exhibition at Lasell University’s Wedeman Gallery, a happy crowd gathered Nov. 14—for the first in-person reception since the pandemic began—to celebrate the NAA members’ work and to award prizes. The show runs through Dec. 11. Here are the prizewinners and judge’s comments:
AWARDS
FIRST PLACE
Martha Brill
House of Cards in a Covid Year
“This piece feels like an entire small art exhibition,” says Vladimir Zimakov, the professor and gallery director who juried the show. “It’s made up of 50+ mixed media collages, one for each of the weeks spent living during the pandemic. I see it as a journal filled with all sorts of emotions—sometimes they are sad and melancholy, sometimes funny and uplifting.”
SECOND PLACE
Michael Flint
Young Boxer
“Michael’s drawing Young Boxer struck me with its beauty and multiple meanings. The boxer depicted in the composition looks directly at the viewer; the boxer is strong, yet fragile; assertive, yet showing signs of doubt. The boxer is ready to strike, but at the same time appears wanting to get to know the opponent, as evident by the tired, curious gaze.”
THIRD PLACE
Sheila Berenson
Mom
“With Mom, Sheila was able to masterfully capture the essence of the moment. The dynamic composition, contrasting color scheme, rough lines, and not-so-subtle facial expressions create an atmosphere of chaos, frustration, and, at the same time, care and love. Sheila has done an amazing job in this ode to motherhood and all its nuances.”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Gregory Steinsieck, Prayer for California
Hilary Hanson Bruel, Harvest Tide
Linda Rinearson, Blue Horizon
Angela Fiori, Untitled