Art exhibit displays entries from both ends of artistic spectrum

The current exhibit at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri represents both ends of the artist spectrum.

Pieces by students in the Summer Arts Academy hang in one gallery while pieces selected for the Mid-America Juried Arts Exhibition hang on the opposite side of the wall. The Mid-America Juried Arts Exhibition drew artists from Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Iowa.

Dr. Mick Luehrman, a professor of art and chairman of the department of art and design at the University of Central Missouri, served as the juror of selection and chose 40 pieces of art for the show. Dr. Edwin Smith, a former art educator in Missouri and at Southeast Missouri State University, was the juror of awards.

Judi Brey won best of show for "Gabriella." Brey has been painting for several years and has won prizes in various art shows, including best in show at the 2010 Regional Juried Art Show at the Arts Council.

First place went to New Orleans artist Joseph Anthony Pearson for his oil painting "Disparity." Juanita Wyman of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., won second place with her watercolor and pastel, "All that is Old is Beautiful -- Ersingen, Germany." Cape Girardeau artist Barbara Calvin took third place for "Once There Were Trains," a watercolor.

Honorable Mention Awards were given to Kathryn Breitenstein's "The Barter," Barbara Ross' "The Bell Tower" and Sue Burton-Cole for "Untitled I."

The award for best of show was $1,000. First place was $500, second brought $200 and third place was $100.