Art Center Names May Show Winners

Despite winning Best of Show in last year’s May Show at the Mansfield Art Center, Jennifer Winkler wasn’t too sure about this year’s entry, a large sculpture titled “Reflection Rejection.”

In it, a life-sized human figure dressed as a dog looks into a medicine cabinet mirror.

“I really thought I didn’t get in,” the West Salem resident said.

So finding out she had been awarded top honors for a second year in a row was “a wonderful surprise.”

The artist, who graduated from Ashland University in December, said she used to be a painter, but switched her focus to sculpture in 2010. She said she has no specific plans for the $1,000 prize that accompanies the honor, but “I do have to pay off college loans and things like that.”

Gordon Lee, professor of art at Columbus College of Art And Design, judged the show, selecting 110 pieces out of the 230 submitted to be in the exhibition.

“‘Reflection Rejection’ is so whimsical and brutally honest that it forces the viewers to see the expression on the furry monster’s face when it sees itself in the mirror,” Lee wrote in his judge’s comments. “She has successfully connected a private moment in the bathroom of an unlikely furry friend with a very human-like disappointment.”

Other winners, who each received $250, were: Margaret Twitchell Swank Award for Painting, Sally Tharp, Ashland, “The Congregation;” Excellence in Craft Award, Brian Engelbach, Mansfield, “1916 Motorbike;” and Sid Yellen Award for Photography, Hannah Barnhill, Ontario, “Serenity.”

“Having juried many exhibitions around Ohio, I am impressed with the quality of work presented by artists for this show,” Lee said. “It is unusual to see this high level of work being done by so many artists.”

The yearly May Show has been one of the most popular at the Art Center for more than 40 years. It includes works in many categories — painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, assemblage, ceramics, glass and textiles.

The show remains on display at the Mansfield Art Center, 700 Marion Ave., until June 16. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

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