Artists from Gardiner, Freeport, Lyman, Portland, Saco, and Topsham receive awards at The Harlow’s 23rd annual juried show

HALLOWELL, MAINE -- The Harlow has announced the award-winning artists for Art2018, the 23rd annual juried art show on view at 100 Water Street in Hallowell now through June 2, 2018. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12-6pm and Sunday 12-4pm. The gallery's annual juried show is a tradition that draws artists to Hallowell from all over the state.


This year’s juror is Bethany Engstrom; a curator, artist, and educator living in Belfast, Maine. She is associate curator at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland, Maine and was previously at the Farnsworth Art Museum.  She has taught as an adjunct instructor at Unity college and the Intermedia MFA program at University of Maine. Bethany received a BA in Art History, her MFA in Intermedia, and an Interdisciplinary PhD in Intermedial Collaborative Practices, all from the University of Maine. She was a 2017-2018 artist in residence at the Ellis-Beauregard Foundation and a 2013 fellow at Mildred’s Lane.


Prizes were awarded at the opening reception on Wednesday, May 9th as follows:


Best in Show and a $500 cash prize sponsored by The Kennebec Valley Art Association was awarded to Ian Trask of Topsham for his mixed media assemblage entitled “Parlay.” Engstrom wrote, “Ian’s use of a multitude of layers in both idea and materials is truly intriguing. The reuse and layering of found materials draws the viewer in to create these strange narratives along with their own.”


Second Place, with a $250 cash prize sponsored by McKee Law was awarded to Patrick Stavens of Portland for his piece entitled “Linked”, made with acrylic paint, molding paste and plastic on foam. Engstrom stated, “Patrick’s handling of materials is deceptively suggestive, and creates an instant engagement with those materials. It takes a moment to realize what you are seeing, and then you look more.”


Juror’s Choice Prize, and a $200 cash prize sponsored by the Stevens Commons was awarded to Julie K. Gray of Saco for her piece entitled “EVP Recording Equipment” made from papier-mache, acrylic, plastic, ribbon and yarn. Engstrom:“There is a playfulness in Julie’s work that evokes humor and nostalgia but there is also that moment when looking at them that makes you question the memories and thoughts that they bring up. Sometimes good and, sometimes, maybe not.”


Third Place, with a $100 cash prize sponsored by G&E Roofing was awarded to Matt Demers of Gardiner for his mixed media painting entitled ”See Me.” Engstrom: “The energy expressed in the marks made by Matt, combined with the collaged elements lead to an exciting story, one that eludes and questions time and draws you in closer.”


The following artists were awarded Honorable Mentions.


James Chute of Freeport for his piece “180120”, which is made with black gesso with traces of red acrylic on incised wood panel. Bethany Engstrom wrote “With the flatness or the surface and the placement of the incised lines, James’ work creates a space for contemplation and, as with the title, presents a multitude of questions for the viewer. “


Andrew Elijah Edwards of Topsham for his untitled video installation. Bethany Engstrom wrote that “The merging of new and older technology in Andrew’s work, layered with an animation that engages your imagination, activates the viewer and allows you to participate with the work fully. “


Nancy Kureth of Lyman for her acrylic paint on birch entitled ”Provocative Female.” Bethany Engstrom states wrote that “In Nancy’s work, the title says it all! There are many, many narratives that are provoked by this pink chair in the woods on a stormy day.”


During the exhibition gallery visitors are invited to vote for their favorite work of art. At the end of the show the winner of the popular vote will receive the People’s Choice Award,a $100 cash prize sponsored by The Animal Wellness Center of Augusta.


The Harlow is supported by Camden National Bank, the City of Hallowell, Kennebec Savings Bank, The Liberal Cup and The Maine House, the Roxanne Quimby Foundation and by our members. Season Sponsors for 2018 are Book Orchard Press, Capitol Dental Care, Chris Walters Productions, Doug & Melinda Jennings, Eaton Peabody Attorneys at Law, Scrummy Afters Candy Shoppe, Slates Restaurant and Target Electric Corporation.

Programming is funded in part by a Partnership Grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Art.

The Harlow is a membership based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to connecting and celebrating art, artists and community in downtown historic Hallowell since 1963. Exhibitions are always free and open to the public. For more information please visit harlowgallery.org or call 207-622-3813.

Information on Images:

Best in Show was awarded to Ian Trask of Topsham for his mixed media assemblage entitled “Parlay.” Photo by Allison McKeen

Second Place was awarded to Patrick Stavens of Portland for his piece entitled “Linked”, made with acrylic paint, molding paste and plastic on foam. Photo by Allison McKeen.

Third place went to Matt Demers of Gardiner for his mixed media painting entitled ”See Me.” Photo by Allison McKeen.

Juror’s Choice was awarded to Julie K. Gray of Saco for her piece entitled “EVP Recording Equipment” made from papier-mache, acrylic, plastic, ribbon and yarn. Photo by Allison McKeen.