Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper judged this year’s show. His comments for first, second and third place winners, as well as seven honorable mentions, are listed here.

LaFramboise won first place for her pastel painting, “Afternoon Window Box,” Brian Schorn won second place for his mixed media piece titled, “108 Malas for 108 Kleshas,” and Mark Beins won third place for his graphite drawing, “Michekewis Lane.”

Honorable mentions went to Beverly Chase, Chuck Schroeder, Nina Gee, Steve Jakubcin, Carol Lund, Kati Meek, and Claire LaFleur.

First place: Stephanie LaFramboise,

Second place: Brian Schorn, “108 Malas for 108 Kleshas,” mixed media

“Afternoon Window Box,” pastel

“Stephanie’s pastel work is almost a heightened reality,” Christensen-Cooper said. “The framing around the window lends itself to qualities seen in Van Gogh’s ‘The Bedroom,’ as it showcases bold, yet subtle line work done with the pastel. What won this piece, however, was her use of light. The triangular spray of light emanating from the bottom going up brings attention to the florals and window, but also gives Stephanie the ability to showcase her talents. The difference in the wall texture in the light areas in contrast to the shadowed areas is a marvel. Attention to detail is heavy, but her touch is light. A beautifully impactful work.”

Second place: Brian Schorn,

“108 Malas for 108 Kleshas,” mixed media

“Shadow is just as important as the actual object is for Brian’s work. The impact that light has, especially on his white material, becomes the piece. The shadows create a diffused version of the material, while the knots give each strand of rope a relief effect. The choice of material and craftsmanship are evident as Brian has meticulously created a piece that is just as much about the end result as it is the process of making it. For an artist to be able to capture how something is made with out showing it is an incredible skill. Symbolism is heavy as the title tells, but also gives way to the story of why the process of making art, specifically this work, is a study in reflection and thought. A wonderful mix of beauty and intent.”

Third place: Mark Beins, “Michekewis Lane,” graphite

Third place: Mark Beins,

“Michekewis Lane,” graphite

“Texture and skill is the name of the game for this small but mighty work using graphite. Mark is able to produce an almost mirror-like surface for the still water, but that feeling is abruptly in contrast to that of the rock and dirt particles surrounding this puddle. It’s as if looking into a filled well. The placement of the small rocks in the bottom left corner give just enough to break up the circle and add so much to make this a wonderful asymmetric composition. Mark’s skills are evident, but it’s the emotion that he forces out of such a small work. Executed beautifully.”

Honorable mentions

¯ Beverly Chase, “Birds Nest and Berries,” watercolor and acrylic

Honorable mention: Chuck Schroeder, “Watering Hole,” pen and ink

“Beverly is extremely gestural in her confident loose strokes. A bird’s nest is not always thought of as a moving object, but I can’t help but feel this tree is in the middle of a windstorm. A wonderful use of materials.”

¯ Chuck Schroeder, “Watering Hole,” pen and ink

“Chuck’s attention to details is remarkable. I like his reflections just as much as the elephants themselves. But to do this with a material that is not forgiving and allows no room for error is astounding.”

¯ Nina Gee, “Snow,” pen and ink

“The truncated composition of the tree is what initially drew me into this piece, but it’s the detail in objects that surround the snowy tree that made me select it. The light touch of the pen is amazing. To draw something that is already without color must be defined by only the objects and shadow surrounding it, and Nina has masterfully accomplished that.”

Honorable mention: Carol Lund, “Car parts — Pham Penh,” CGI

¯ Steve Jakubcin, “Leaves,” photography

“If I were still teaching in the classroom, I’d use this piece as a study on color theory to show my students the power of color and gradient. But instead, Steve has given us a lesson on patience and skill. These leaves show us the tedious measure to find the correct colors and assemble them in such a manner to become a wonderfully composed photograph.”

¯ Carol Lund, “Car parts — Pham Penh,” CGI

“Composition is why I selected this piece, but the details are what make it extremely interesting and complex. Carol has captured the feeling of something new but made of old. A throne that only the King of all cars can sit on. A wonderfully imaginative and playful piece.”

¯ Kati Meek, “2020 Summer Blues,” textile with sedges

“Skill and attention to detail are clearly evident. The design is, however, the reason I selected this piece. The variegated blue line as it gets closer together gives the piece visual tension and draws your eye along the length of the work.”

¯ Claire LaFleur, “Follow the Rabbit”, photography

“Claire’s composition and pure emotive work is wonderful. A modern day Little Red Riding Hood or Alice. The leaves frame in the well-lit background and the look on the girl says it all. A striking work!”

The 2020 Juried Art exhibit consists of 72 pieces chosen from the 115 entries. Museum volunteer Vicki Wright worked with museum facility manager Matt Klimczak to set the exhibit. The exhibit will be opened to the public through Dec. 31.

Due to limited capacity, visitors are asked to call the museum to make reservations. Call 989-356-2202.