Congratulations to each artist whose work was accepted into Wild Heart Gallery's On the Brink: Endangered Species juried art exhibition! Artists were asked to submit their best artwork showcasing endangered species. Some went above and beyond with the message of the show. Well done!
It is the goal of WHG to support and promote animal and wildlife artwork in a wide range of genres and styles.
Artwork for this exhibition was selected by jury based on originality, technique, skill, and quality of work.
Awards: Best in Show, Overall Runner Up, Overall Honorable Mentions, Best in Category, and Special Merit Awards. More award details below.
Click on an image to enlarge it.
BEST IN SHOW
Inconvenient, by Jane O'Hara 24in x24in, acrylic on canvas From the artist, "My paintings center on our complex relationship with animals. I use surrealism to address the treatment of animals environmentally at risk or in captivity vs our adored pets. In this work I create an unnatural stage for the animal's situation to point out people's tendency to impose their own agenda despite the risks."
Precarious is the overall feeling of this piece. From the angle of hanging to the positioning of the bears on the tiny stage to the raging Hokusai-like waves, everything is danger and uncertainty. The treatment of the large bear's limbs to be like a teddybear as well as the placement on a very unnatural stage speak to the way humans tend to put their own expectations on these incredible wild creatures.
OVERALL RUNNER UP
Endangered Pets, Cheetah, by Harry Waller
30 x 12 x 18 in, Polymer clay, paint, objects
From the artist, "Once a week for seven years I was a docent at Lincoln Park Zoo. When not performing structured tours, talks, or manning kiosks, we would stand by an exhibit and talk to the public. The topics would include endangered animals, hunting, poaching, habitat destruction, global warming, how to prevent these, captive breeding, and general zoo and environmental questions.
"But the most asked question repeatedly was, 'Do these make good pets?'"
To sum up, no, wild animals do not make good pets. If you'd like a wild animal in your home, buy art of one!
OVERALL HONORABLE MENTIONS
Congratulations to our Overall Honorable Mention winners, Carole Bracy , Adrian Hatfield, Harry Waller, Tricia Evenson, Caylin Schwartz, Andrew Frank, Torie Hilley, Caylin Schwartz, and Ralph Broussard
BEST IN CATEGORY
Congratulations to our Best in Category winners, Ralph Broussard (Digital Art), Andrew Frank (Mixed Media), Jane O'Hara (Painting), Carole Bracy (Photography), Caylin Schwartz (Printmaking), and Harry Waller (Sculpture)
SPECIAL MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to our Special Merit Award winners,Andrew Frank, Torie Hilley, Vicki Richtman, Eric Reou, Carlyn Krall, Ross Halfacree, Ralph Broussard, Caylin Schwartz, Eric Reou, and Michael Putorti
Best in Show receives $50 cash award and promotion on the following: Art Base, Art Week, Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media and other online media channels, WHG's eNewsletter, and WHG's home page (for duration of the exhibition).
All award recipients receive promotion on Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media/other online media channels and WHG's eNewsletter and inclusion in a virtual group exhibition that lasts at least one month.
This art exhibition was juried by Sarah Soward, Sharon Eisley, and Ashli Kingfisher.