Local Artist Thom Wright, Juror

Local artist Thomas Wright acted as juror for the 45th Annual Multi Mini Show for Redlands Art Association. The show consisted of statewide artists to be chosen among a selection 264 entries of which 150 were displayed. Artist and art lovers came out to support, acquired the art, and admire the imagination of these extraordinary artist. The process of the annual show is a for the non-profit organization is one that begins with seventy-two volunteers starting with the “take in” of the art, then the juror or judge comes in to select art that is anonymous at the time of judging, then there is a hanging day and tagging of prizes. Susan Davis was the host and coordinator of the evening and Chairman of the Board's Larry Harvill gave a speech of support. Robert Lopez was one of the many artists present. Lopez, whose jewelry was on display, explained his pieces as being inspired by nature and his love of bugs. A self-taught artist who became interested in the world of art by first collecting rocks, learning to cut rocks and then transforming them with an inspiration of Native American techniques and through making multiple mistakes his unique technique would be born and his jewelry would be the product. Artist Michael Moore who’s a local tattoo artist at Empire Tattoo in Redlands submitted his own piece this year. Born an only child in Minnesota of two accomplished artists, he was destined to acquire the artistic skills of his parents: mother a canvass artist and father a photographer. His pieces are usually inspired by nature as was his submitted piece “The Fragility of Nature”. Board Member Jan Harvey submitted her photo, a combination of two images that embodied a technique she acquired years ago while a student in Crafton College in Yucaipa, where she also owns a studio. Her piece was entitled “Geometric Lighthouse”. The winner of the show would be artist Judith Sparhawks of Redlands and Gallery Coordinator for her piece “Lady Bountiful” a photography piece so intense that it somewhat looks more like a detailed painting. Patty Hayden’s collage “Pawn Shop” would come in second place and Jeff Owens Mixed Media “Margaret Clark” would come in third. Judith Sparhawks has been involved in the art world for over twenty years and has often had her work rejected for the show. This is the first year that she won and had all three submissions selected for the show. “I was so ecstatic to not only win but to have all three pieces accepted into the show!” Supporters such as Carolyn McHugh come out every year to show her support. Mchugh also made a couple of selections while admiring the elite art such as “Italian Bridesmaids” by Tom Gillett. “I love the portion of legs, the details and colors are gorgeous," said Carolyn McHugh who enjoys the shows immensely and will continue to support.