Figure in Place
Visit this open call, juried exhibit at the Firehouse Gallery
Gallery Hours: 12 Noon – 4pm
Sat, Feb 1, 2025 / Sun, Feb 2, 2025
Sat, Feb 8, 2025 / Not Open Feb 9
Sat, Feb 15, 2025 / Sun, Feb 16, 2025
Corrected Art Pickup: Sun/Mon Feb 16/17 4pm-6pm
About This Exhibit
The exhibit attracted entries numbered among the highest ever submitted to a MAC show. Fifty-two artists submitted over 82 works to be considered for inclusion. Among those artists were two from California, one from Pennsylvania and one from New Hampshire, in addition to Connecticut residents from as far away as Windsor Locks and Rocky Hill. Our local stalwarts submitted a record number of works. All in all, the show is filled with interesting & inspiring scenes of Figures in Place. Thank you, all! You make the Heart of the Arts throb!
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Theme
Artists were challenged to create a narrative by placing a figure in an environment, whether it’s a landscape or interior. Tell a story and bring the viewer along.
Exhibit Judge
George Manning
Artist Statement
I’m largely a self taught painter, beginning my painting career in watercolors. Someone told me it was the easiest medium to work in. One disaster followed another. I was dedicated to creating mud and bleeds and dull pieces but also quite convinced that I would soon be discovered for my artistic genius. Obviously, illusions of grandeur ran rampant. It finally occurred to me that some professional instructions might be needed. I took classes with local artists. Most notably Susan Siegel as well as any number of professional painters from whom I rented art videos…
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Lastly, I find that artists are just some of the nicest people and are fun to be around! Much of my painting pleasure derives from joining a group of painters known as the Treetops Crew each summer on Monhegan Island ME. We paint, share meals, tell stories and meet the locals.
Awarded Works
The items shown in this exhibit are for sale unless marked “NFS”.
FIRST PLACE
Joseph Annino
Real Art Ways
Oil and colored pencil on canvas; 24″x36″; $475
Artist Statement
The painting Real Art Ways, by superimposing multiple photographs of an opening at Real Art Ways in Hartford CT, explored the relationship between figures, artworks, space, and their interactions, by blurring the distinctions between these elements.
Judge’s Comments
I liked the complexity of the piece, the strong contrasts between lights and darks as well as the composition which moved my eye across and into the painting. The artist also made good use of reflected light and placement of the figures. Some are in deep shadow and others partially revealed. Further, the piece fits nicely into the theme of the show, “the figure in a setting.” This artwork features a dynamic use of color and form, giving it a sense of movement and energy. The abstract portrayal of figures suggests a lively scene, perhaps in a market or social gathering.
SECOND PLACE
Michael Mccarter
Embrace
SOLD AT THE GALLERY
Photography on canvas; 24×36; $250
Artist’s Statement
These images are part of a series entitled Girl On a Train, An Intimate Journey, which explores the internal conflicts and vulnerability of a young woman. Each photograph in the series captures a moment in her journey.
Judges’ Comments
This is a striking photograph. It stands out from across the gallery. Here is a strong use of lighting and texture. I liked the strong contrast in the texture, brightly lit soft rich fabric against the decay and graffiti of the surroundings. The photographer’s composition has created depth of field by using the train seats and their shadows to lead the eye to the subject. The use of natural light subtly highlights the model’s features, drawing attention to her contemplative expression. While the surrounding graffiti and decay evoke a sense of desolation that contrasts with her delicate appearance.
THIRD PLACE
Josephine Eke
Eclipsing Silence
SOLD AT THE GALLERY
acrylic on wood panel, 8″ x 8″, $185.00
Artist Statement
The serenity & vibrancy of life unfolding.
Judge’s Comments
This is a small gem of an abstract painting. Lighting, contrast and color are particularly important to this painting. The shadowed figures on the left, juxtapositioned by the strong use of central light and sole figure on the right suggest both isolation and silence. Lastly the use of the pink and blue vertical stripes add balance and warmth to the composition. The painting captures an urban scene, employing a palette dominated by soft blues, pinks, and whites, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The artist effectively uses blurred shapes and muted figures to evoke movement and depth, suggesting a bustling street yet cloaked in mystery. Overall, this piece beautifully balances abstract expressionism with a subtle narrative, inviting interpretation.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Don Arsenault
Sage Advice, the Final
Pastel: 16×22 framed NFS
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Artist Statement
This Is my older brother, Bob. He gave me my first art book when I was five. I had previously exhibited a drawing of this scene and then a 6×8 color study. It took two more years until I felt ready to accomplish the final painting. I owed him that.
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Judge’s Comments
Beautiful almost photorealistic treatment of subject. The portrait presents a seasoned figure with a strong character, highlighted by the sunlit texture of his skin and the straw hat that adds a rustic charm. The artist effectively captures the warmth in his smile, conveying a sense of wisdom and experience. The background is somewhat subdued, which draws focus to the subject.
Mark Bisset
Violet Meadow
oil on paper, 16″x12″, $400
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Judge’s Comments
The painting offers a serene landscape with a harmonious blend of colors and textures. The balance between the foreground, featuring a winding path and the figure of a hiker, and the expansive backdrop of mountains and sky creates a sense of depth. The brushwork effectively captures the play of light and shadow across the grasses and trees, adding dimension. However, the clouds could benefit from more variation in shape to enhance the sky’s dynamism. Overall, the composition evokes tranquility and invites contemplation.
Ginnie Chase
Aquatic
Oil on linen, 20 x 16, $850
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Artist Statement
I was drawn to the vitality and joy of this beautiful woman, and the sunlight, the colors, and the power and energy of the ocean compelled me to create this painting.
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Judge’s Comments
I liked the sense of space, movement of the figure against the contrasting waves and land in the background. The image presents a vibrant depiction of a figure in a dynamic pose, suggesting joy or playfulness while submerged in water. The use of color, particularly the blues and greens of the water intertwined with the warmer tones of the figure’s skin, creates a lively contrast. Overall, it conveys a spirited aquatic theme.
Cathy Liontas
The Discovery
Oil, 18×24
Artist Statement
Fort Trumbull beach at low tide late in the afternoon is a beautiful place to soak up some gorgeous light and to watch dogs and children play in the tide pools. I started this plein air study and worked more on the figures back in the studio.
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Judge’s Comments
The painting beautifully captures a tender moment between an elder and a child by the shore, evoking a sense of warmth and connection. The soft color palette, dominated by pastel blues and sandy hues, enhances the serene atmosphere. The textured depiction of rocks adds depth, while the figures are rendered with a gentle realism that conveys emotion.Overall, the composition effectively portrays a peaceful, intimate scene.
Figure in Place Photo Gallery
There are two sets of photos in this exhibit gallery: one for the reception and one for the installation of the show by volunteers.
Photo credits: Marie Dallas, Cathy Liontas, Vinnie Pozzuoli
