2009 Artists Gallery

By all accounts the show was highly successful, both in terms of the quality of the works the juror selected and the public response to them. Theresa Downing, an Independent Curator, chose sixty-five artists from among 180 applicants for the exhibition and included a total of 106 pieces out of almost 500 works entered.

The opening receptions at the Saint Mary's and Winona State galleries drew numerous visitors. Many exhibitors traveled to Winona to be present. Visitors continued to come to the galleries over the course of the exhibition.

We look forward to a successful event in 2010.

The prize winners were presented with certificates at the receptions. First place went to Yvonne Klocek, whose large color photograph Blossoms was awarded the top prize of $1000. Second place went to Don Schmidlapp of Winona, who was awarded the $500 prize for his panoramic view in pastel of the Mississippi. Derek Freese of La Crosse, Wisconsin was awarded the third place prize of $250 for a trio of wall ceramics. Honorable Mentions included a jeweled tiara by Lanesboro, Minnesota artist Liz Bucheit; a large portrait by Mollie Gove of Rochester, Minnesota; and a witty etching, Pastor Left Town, the work of Jonathon Metzker of La Crosse, Wisconsin.