Art Speaks Juried Exhibition judge Ryan Lytle announced the awards in this prestigious statewide art show at the opening reception on April 25.

Best in Show was awarded to Karen Podd for her body of work combining ceramics and basketry.

1st place 2d - John Alan Stock

1st place 3d - Richard Harding

2nd place 2d - Dave Curtis

2nd place 3d - Kayla Gaddy

3rd place 2d - MaryLou Andrews

3rd place 3d - Kay Franz

Patron's Awards - Karen Waller and Nancy Jacey

Founder's Award - L.E. Kincaid

RAL Art Center Award - Karen Waller

Richmond Clayworks Award - Christina Hubbard

Students' Choice Awards - Toy Fowler and Vivian Davis

Awards of Merit - Joann Sybil Lawson, Linda Reichert, L.E. Kincaid, Hunter Banks, and Chris Jeanguenat

Students from Mathews High School advanced art selected Vivian Davis' piece Fungi Garden.

Our annual statewide juried exhibition, Art Speaks is open to Virginia artists working in all media. This exhibition showcases the best of Virginia's contemporary art. 111 works from 87 artists were accepted by juror Ryan Lytle. He will judge the work and assign awards at the opening reception on April 25.

The March show in the Art Speaks Gallery is Hidden Objects. Participating artists will “hide” 2 objects in their artwork. One object is the artist’s choice and the other one is assigned. Creative and clever methods of hiding will make this a fun show for gallery visitors. Entries consist of a WIDE range of interesting media including fiber, assemblage, hanging art, wearables, 3-D, paintings, pottery, multimedia, collage and jewelry. The opening reception is from 5:00-7:00pm, Friday, March 27. The Opening reception will include a visitor activity, a free visitor raffle, drinks and finger foods. Offers from local restaurants Mathews Grill & Deli, Mi Casa Azteca and The Seafood Shack will be available for gallery visitors, reception night only. Hidden Objects will be available online and on display in the gallery March 27-April 20.

Averelle Dylan

Bits & Pieces opens Friday, February 27^th. Entries were created from collage, junk art, assemblage, and mixed media in a range of interesting media including fiber, photographs, hanging art, wearables, 3-D, pottery, multimedia, collage and jewelry. Bits & Pieces will be available for viewing and shopping on  our website as well as in person in the Art Speaks Gallery. Opening Reception will be held February 27th from 5-7:00 pm.  Come out and enjoy food, drinks, art, artists and great company! Bits & Pieces runs from February 27- March 23^rd from 5 -7:00 pm.

Christine Corbin

Once Upon a Time opens Friday, January 30^th at the Bay School Community Arts Center and it runs through February 23^rd. Participating artists from Once Upon a Time used their favorite books for inspiration to create their entries. Entries from a wide range of interesting media including; fiber, hanging art, wearables, 3-D, pottery, multimedia, collage and jewelry will be on exhibit. There are 15 talented artists that created artwork for this show. Join us for the opening reception of Once Upon a Time. Reception will be held Friday, January 30th, from 5 until 7:00. Come out and enjoy food, drinks, art, artists and great company!

Chris Jeanguenat