Archway Gallery Announces Winner For 15th Annual Juried Exhibition

HOUSTON, TX -- Archway Gallery announced the winners of its 15th Annual Juried Exhibition Saturday, July 8 at an opening reception with remarks by Juror John Bernhard highlighting the works of 43 local artists. This was another record for the gallery with 181 artists submitting 369 pieces of art. The exhibition benefits Be the Peace—Be the Hope which will receive 50% of the sales from this exhibition and the remaining 50% to the artists. First, Second, and Third place winners each received a cash prize, and the first-place winner, George Bramlett, will also enjoy guest artist privileges for the month of August. Five Honorable Mentions were also announced.

Juror John Bernhard is an artist, photographer, designer, and writer who traveled extensively before settling in Houston in 1980. Founder of Bernhard Associates in 1984, he has specialized in corporate branding and identity programs for local industry while concurrently pursuing a career in fine art. He has exhibited his work in more than 30 solo shows, three museum exhibitions, and numerous group exhibitions. In January 2018, Bernhard was named Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Houston. For the past nine years, Bernhard has served as publisher and editor-in-chief of ArtHouston, the only magazine devoted exclusively to the arts in Houston.

Bernhard selected a total of 43 pieces for the Juried Exhibition saying, “The level of creativity and the exceptional quality of the work was truly remarkable. Being a judge is not easy and I found myself like a kid in a candy store reveling in the sweets that I could take home,” said Bernhard. “Since this exhibition did not have a central theme, it was entirely subjective for me to choose the artworks. Art is in the eye of the beholder—which resonated strongly with me. I made sure to consider the skills, the merit, and the emotional connection behind each piece to make my final decisions,” added Bernhard.

Liz Conces Spencer, Co-Chair of the show with fellow artist, Becky Soria, said that being a Co-Chair for this show is always an honor. She continued, “To see so many artists participating in our exhibition is uplifting and a reminder that the creative spirit is very much at work in Houston.”
Becky Soria, Co-Chair added, “It’s another one for the record books. We are so pleased to have received more art than last year, which speaks to the desire and need to create. Congratulations to all the artists whose work was selected and a special thanks to our esteemed colleague, John Bernhard whose time and talent has added much to this exhibition.”

First Place was awarded to George Bramlett for his oil painting, Bonded Friends. Bramlett receives a $500 cash award with guest artist privileges for the month of August at Archway Gallery.

Honorable Mentions included:

Alessandra Albin, Lina Delgado, Tatiana Escallon, Wendy Moreland, and Hall Puckett.

Archway Gallery began its juried exhibition in 2009 to broaden opportunities for artists and to support local nonprofit organizations, donating 50% of the proceeds from the sales of the Juried Artwork to a community partner. This year the gallery partnered with Be the Peace—Be the Hope which serves elementary, middle, and high school students in underserved communities working with children who have lost hope in the future. Through arts, mindfulness, and other programs, the organization is working to address negative social, emotional, and environmental factors that have contributed to children’s disengagement, delinquency, and academic failure. Find information at https://bepeacebehope.org/

To view the 15th Annual Juried Exhibition, visit the gallery Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. through August 3. All the winning pieces are available for sale online as well. Visit the Archway Gallery store, here:

For information on upcoming Archway Gallery shows, visit www.archwaygallery.com