May 2, 2019
The Heartland Artists Gallery was quite busy over the weekend. Twenty-nine artists delivered 85 pieces of art to the Small Wonders Juried Show. This art is unique in that it cannot be any larger than 12” x 12”. The art seems to be more jewel-like in a smaller package, but still captures your attention and sends the message: Life is full of Color. The art is captured in every kind of media; photography, sculpture, acrylic, oil, pastel, fiber, ceramic, scratchboard, soft pastels, clay, watercolor, mixed media and more.
The eclectic art from artists all over Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan will be on display until May 25 at Heartland Artists Gallery in downtown Plymouth. This Saturday, May 4th, the community is invited to join us for the Open House from 1-4 to preview all the art, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments. Awards will be given at 3:00.
Vanessa Stoner was the Judge for this juried show. She states, “The artwork is displayed perfectly. It is lovely to see so many local artists with varying styles.” Vanessa Stoner is an art teacher and artist. She loves to work with several types of media: Adobe Suite, oil, watercolors, and pastels. She was born in Plymouth in 1981. From her earliest memories she had always wanted to be an artist. She drew throughout her primary school years, and went to Indiana University where she received a BFA in fine arts. After graduating she worked as a graphic designer in a few places. One day she was asked to teach art at a children’s summer camp. The effect she was able to have on the students convinced Stoner to become an art teacher. She attended Grace College and received her educational degree. Stoner has been teaching art at John Glenn High School for the last five years. She loves watching students grow in their art skills and as people. Her pride and joy is watching her students gain recognition for their skills and hard work. Her students win awards in Scholastics, Celebrating Art, VFW Patriot Art Contest, Congressional art contest, & more. Vanessa Stoner has been recognized as a national award winning art teacher for the last two years.
The Gallery is proud to announce the seven prize winners chosen by Stoner: Best of Show – Jon Miller, titled, “Contention” (acrylic, fabric, paper);
1st Prize, Marilyn Kruger, titled, “Granny Smith & the Gold Pot” (oil); Second Prize, Mary Firtl, “At Attention” (soft pastels);
3rd Prize, Lena Matlis “Paris Time” (photography); and Honorable Mentions go to Sarah Luginbill “Nailed Keys” (acrylic), Todd Hoover “Egg” (ceramic), and Jill Brandush “Dapper” (oil). Congratulations to all and thank you for sharing your art at our Gallery! The community is invited to see the show and vote for the Popular Choice award, which will be given at the end of the show. Thank you to the sponsors for supporting local art and artists at this show: Robertson-Cook Agency, King’s Jewelry, Russ Kietzman-Edward Jones, Carrolyne Babcock and Heartland Artists Gallery.
The Gallery’s mission is to support area artists, and to bring and to teach the arts to our community. Our not-for-profit Gallery gives area artists a venue to show and sell their art. Our art classes fulfill our mission for educating and they also assist in our financial means to maintain the Gallery. Visit www.heartlandartgallery.com and Facebook, Instagram or call 574.936.9515 for more information. The Gallery is located at 101 N. Michigan St., in downtown Plymouth. Gallery hours are Tues. – Sat. 10-4.