October 7, 2021 - Bucks County Herald - Read Full Article
Meet the artists of the 92nd Art Show at Phillips’ Mill
The 92nd Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill is in full swing after a picture-perfect opening weekend under blue skies.
The much-anticipated annual exhibition, offers exceptional work selected by a different group of jurors each year.
“I was thrilled with the quality of the work submitted,” said sculptor Darla Jackson, one of this year’s jurors. “The hardest part was narrowing down the number of works accepted to fit within the space.” Added fellow juror, artist Frank Hyder, “I was amazed at the diversity of approaches. It is exciting to see how much enthusiasm the area artists have.”
More than 90 framed works line the walls of the historic 18th-century mill that has been hosting artists since the noted Pennsylvania Impressionist and area resident William Lathrop organized the very first exhibition in 1929.
Additionally, 20 sculptures punctuate the space which also includes several overflowing portfolios of unframed oils, watercolors, prints, collages and mixed media pieces.
“I had a lot of fun selecting the work,” said painter Ted Walsh, one of the jurors of the Framed category, “because there were so many great pieces to choose from. There’s truly nothing quite like the energy behind community arts scenes. This kind of energy is important now more than ever.”
After a year away from the mill, serving up an “online only” show last year due to COVID restrictions, “it is especially nice to be able to walk into the mill and see the works in person,” said Laura Womack, art committee chair and Phillips’ Mill board member. “And it’s fabulous to be able to meet the artists who created the work,” Womack added.
Missing from last year’s show was one of the true joys of the Phillips’ Mill exhibition, the “Meet the Artists” component.
“Collectors love to visit the mill when their favorite artists are scheduled. Artists love to talk to other artists whose work they admire. Art enthusiasts, in general, love to talk about art with the creative souls who make it. And, the artists themselves enjoy meeting people interested in their work,” said Womack.
Artists scheduled to meet and greet include many of the show’s award winners, such as Tom Chesar of Stockton, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 7; George Thompson of Doylestown, Friday, Oct. 15; Mary Ann Bowman of Doylestown, whose “Beach Grill Ocean City II” took one of the top honors, the Patrons’ Award for Painting, Sunday, Oct. 17; and this year’s Honored Artist, sculptor George Anthonisen of Solebury, Saturday, Oct. 23. Othes, including Janine Dunn Wade of Doylestown, on Oct. 6, have already done meet and greets.
Check the mill’s website for the full schedule, at phillipsmill.org. Check back often as artists are continually added. The full list of award winners can be found on the website, as well.
The 92nd Juried Art Show runs through Oct. 31. It is open daily from 1 to 5 p.m., at Phillips’ Mill Community Association, 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope. Admission is $5, with discounts for seniors and students; members are free. To view the show online, visit phillipsmill.org. Art may be purchased online except while the gallery is open at the mill. For information, contact 215-862-0582 or info@phillipsmill.org.
