The 5th Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition (BMRE), spotlighting 58 works in a variety of media, is a dynamic showcase of creative expression from artists in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Currently on display in the Arts Program Gallery at 抖阴视频 (UMGC), these exceptional works examine historical and social themes and events, conceptual installations, and traditional and contemporary artistic styles.聽
鈥淭he most important goal of the BMRE is to introduce artists to the curator and staff of the UMGC Arts Program and to our larger community,鈥 said Arts Program Director Eric Key. 鈥淚n addition, a major component of the program is the selection of the works and award winners.鈥
The works were chosen by guest jurors Cheryl Edwards, Ulysses Marshall and Sharon Wolpoff, all professional artists who have exhibited locally and nationally. This year鈥檚 BMRE attracted more than 160 artists who submitted roughly 460 works of art for consideration. Six award winners were announced at the exhibition鈥檚 opening reception on June 9. 聽聽
鈥淭he exhibition celebrates the sheer diversity of artistic practice in our region,鈥 said Treston Sanders, curator of the Arts Program at UMGC.
The first place President鈥檚 Best of Show Award went to Judith Peck for her oil painting titled 鈥淐oastal Communities,鈥 a statement on climate change that depicts a figure on a roof in a flooded town. Other top winners included Maroulla Morcos鈥 鈥淗orus,鈥 a fluid marble pedestal sculpture (2nd Place); and Melanie Royster's vibrant 鈥淪olitude鈥 (3rd Place), an acrylic painting of rich colors symbolizing nature and empowerment.聽
Honorable mentions were awarded to Timothy DeVenney for his mixed media sculpture, 鈥淚nequality,鈥 Susan Lapham for her abstract fiber wall hanging, 鈥淩aspberry Sherbet (Road Trip 8),鈥 and Christopher Madden for his politically themed oil painting, 鈥淎pes of Wrath.鈥
Beyond the prize recipients, the depth of talent and diversity of media and creativity on display was extensive. In addition to paintings in oil and acrylic, works in fiber, photography, mixed media stood out, as did sculpture in metal and wood.
Notable was Luc Fiedler鈥檚 forged steel sculpture, 鈥淭win,鈥 which offers a whimsical take on identity and the concept of being a square peg in a round hole. Maremi Andreozzi鈥檚 鈥淟鈥橦ermitage,鈥 presents an otherworldly portrait of two faceless figures representing Maryland鈥檚 history of slavery. And Trace Miller鈥檚 abstract painting, 鈥淔ury,鈥 a non-traditional landscape, captures the energy and linear qualities of trees, as well as a feeling of loss and renewal.聽
The 5th Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition is on display until Sept. 8, 2024.聽
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