By Sophia Pasquariello
Susquehanna recently held its 13th Annual Figurative Drawing and Painting Exhibition, where Mira Gerard, a professor in the Department of Art & Design at East Tennessee State University, spoke and awarded prizes to winners of the submissions.
The exhibit was held at 7 p.m. in The Lore Degenstein Gallery. There were displays of works that have been submitted from various parts of the nation. The gallery served light appetizers and drinks for the guests while they walked around and observed the artwork.
When entering the gallery, guests were presented with a brief written introduction by Gerard. In her written introduction, she presented questions viewers can ask themselves when observing art: “How can a work of art be a thing to enter into rather than being walked out? What are the questions being asked? What are the conditions? What psychic ecosystem is being conveyed?” Not only did she provide thought provoking questions, but also her thoughtful analysis of the works of art.
Before Gerard began the announcement of the prize winners, she said, “Jurying an exhibition is one of the hardest things to do.”
She then described art as “taking more blood, sweat and tears then pleasure.”
Mira awards 5th place to Athena Rigas from Yonkers, NY with Perpetually Uptown, 2018.
Announced next was 4th place given to Daniel Dallmann from Philadelphia, PA with Morning Light, 2020.
Following in 3rd place was Becca Shumulvitz from New York, NY with Shears, 2020.
Next is 2nd place, given to Jeanne Ciravolo from Hamden, CT with Daughter, 2020.
Finally, awarded with 1st place, is Joan Cox from Baltimore, MD with Origin of the Family.
Gerard described this piece as “fearless, massive, and epic,” 2019.
The exhibit was a great success and so much fun to attend.
