The Heartland Artists Gallery is hosting their Annual Juried Regional Art Exhibit that showcases the area’s most talented and creative artists from the Northern Indiana and surrounding region. From September 29th through October 24th, stunning and unique works of over 40 artists depicting various themes, subject matter, and media will be on display. And for the first time in the show’s history, the works will also be exhibited online via the Gallery’s website. The public will be able to view vibrant abstracts, bold oils and acrylics, tranquil watercolors, and textural mixed media and sculpture both at the gallery during its regular open hours and from the comfort and safety of home.
The 2020 judge for this year’s exhibit is Jeff Diesburg. Jeff earned a BA in Biological and Pre-Medical Illustration from Iowa State University in 2003 and a MFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2006. From 2007-09 Jeff and his wife Foy served as Peace Corps volunteers in the rainforests of Panama. In 2011 he began as an Assistant Professor of Art at Manchester College (now Manchester University) in North Manchester, Indiana and is currently serving as the Chair of the Art Department.
Jeff Diesburg, Judge of this year’s exhibit says, “Good quality overall, with a predominance of nature themed works. I quickly narrowed the field to 20+ pieces, but it became more difficult to choose “best” among many high-quality pieces. I look for good technical use of media, indication of light or contrasting value to create space, and creative concept. I am partial to works that include human figures and faces, but I am also more critical of human subject matter.”
Ten Awards will be given to the following artists on Saturday, October 3, at 3PM via an online awards presentation. This year’s winners are: Best of Show – “Sanguine Frost”, by Erica Coffing; First Place – “Work: Blast Furnace Keeper” by Jill Brandush; Second Place – “Wiley Fox” by Karen Barth; and Third Place – “The Path” by Sarah Luginbill. Creativity Awards include: “Shipharise” by Max Exyss & Oerbyss and “Disquiet” by Jon Miller. Merit Awards include: “Jubilation” by Rosie Mireles; “Omaha Old Towne” by Brenda Ramseier; “October Shimmer” by Emily Austin; and “Red” by Bill Shewman. The Popular Choice award, to be determined by votes from the public, will be given to the chosen artist at the end of the show on October 24th.
Anna Kietzman, President of the Heartland Artists, says about this year’s exhibit: “We could not be more pleased with the quality of work this year and I continue to be in awe of the talent we have in this area and the surrounding region. And, I am thrilled that we have been able to take this exhibit online, making it much more accessible to the artists and the public. With the cancellation of so many events, workshops, and festivals, artists have been hit especially hard by COVID. I hope folks will take the opportunity to check out this exhibit and continue supporting their local art communities. After all, it is art that connects us, inspires us, and has the power to create positive change. We need that now more than ever.”
As a nonprofit arts organization, the Gallery relies on sponsors and members of the community to support our largest exhibit of the year and we are grateful to the following sponsors of this year’s exhibit: The Gibson Foundation, Marcia Price Art Fund, Ren & Beverly Van Gilder, Fernbaugh’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Morrow Insurance Agency, Louise Amundson, Christos Family Dining, Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Greg & Susan Payne and Edward & June Pullen. We thank you for supporting not only this exhibit, but for supporting local art and artists and helping bring more art to our community.
The Gallery’s mission is to support area artists and to bring and teach the arts to our community. Our nonprofit gallery gives area artists a venue to show and sell their art. Activities are made possible in part by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information visit www.heartlandartgallery.com, Facebook, Instagram, or call 574.936.9515. The location is 101 N. Michigan St., Downtown Plymouth. Gallery hours are Tues. – Sat.
