Besser Museum announces award winners at 2026 Juried Art Exhibition opening reception
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Besser Museum Announces Award Winners at 2026 Juried Art Exhibition Opening Reception
ALPENA, Mich. -- The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan proudly celebrated the opening of its 2026 Juried Art Exhibition during the Artists Reception held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, where outstanding works by Northeast Michigan artists were recognized and top awards were announced.
The evening brought together artists, supporters, and community members to honor the creativity and artistic excellence showcased throughout this year’s exhibition.
Prior to announcing the awards, Mary Alice Comar, juror and curator of this year’s exhibition, shared words of encouragement and reflection with the gathered artists and guests.
"I looked for passion, energy, an individuality in your approach and handling of materials. I looked for you behind your work," Comar said. "I looked for you in the art you created."
She continued by quoting David Bayles and Ted Orland’s Art & Fear:
"The function of the overwhelming majority of your artwork is simply to teach you how to make the small fraction of your artwork that soars… even failed pieces are essential… the best you can do is make art you care about, and lots of it… your job is to work on your work."
Comar added, "I think we have some artwork here that soars."
She also invited visitors to engage deeply with the exhibit, asking them to consider what they see in the art before them. Is there a piece that moves you, makes you think, sparks a memory, evokes an emotion, inspires wonder, or even makes you want to reach out and touch it? Her remarks set the tone for an evening celebrating both artistic achievement and personal expression.
The coveted Best of Show award was presented to Sheridan Waldrup for her stunning acrylic painting, Ice Floes, El Cajon Bay.
Additional award recipients included:
· Second Place: Kim Nunneley for Tibetan Wind Horse, a mixed-media work created with wool, beads, and metallic thread.
· Third Place: Beverly Benson Wolf for her photograph Flash Bang.
Honorable Mention awards were presented to:
· Kathryn Sautter for the digital photograph Holy Cross, Alpena
· Terry Lowell for the wood sculpture Trouble
· Kevin Radu for the steel sculpture School Ride
· Michael LaTulip for the painting Pictured Rocks
The Museum extends its sincere appreciation to Mary Alice Comar for curating this year’s exhibition. Her thoughtful insights into the works on display and her emphasis on the importance of artistic expression enriched the reception and inspired attendees.
The 2026 Juried Art Exhibition will remain on display through October 24, 2026 providing visitors an opportunity to experience the remarkable talent and creativity found throughout Northeast Michigan.
Museum visitors are also encouraged to explore two additional featured exhibitions currently on display: a retrospective solo exhibition by Nina Gee, last year’s Best of Show winner, and an exhibit showcasing
the masterful macramé work of Lynsie Dietz. Guests interested in creating their own fiber art can register for Dietz’s hands-on workshops, beginning with a Macrame Planter Hanger on August 22, a Peace Sign Dream Catcher on September 19 and Ghosts on October 10.
For exhibit details and workshop registration, visit: https://www.bessermuseum.org/art