The moment was golden for several artists during the award ceremony for “GILDED: Impressions of the Flagler Era” — a plein air exhibition in St. Augustine, Florida, that featured works produced during a 10-day citywide paint-out in April. Who took home hardware?
Nearly 60 artists from throughout Florida and Georgia participated in the St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out between April 21 and 30, which resulted in a stunning exhibition on view through May 28 at the St. Augustine Art Association. Judged by Flagler College Art Professor Donald Martin, “GILDED” was composed of paintings, drawings, and pastels all framed in gold, hence the name.
Top honors (Best in Show) was awarded to Roger Bansemer for his brilliant painting titled “Early Morning at Flagler,” which earned him $1,000 cash. Bansemer was among six artists who accepted awards in front of a capacity crowd reception on May 7, which featured the First Coast Opera.
Internationally acclaimed artist Xi Guo won the $500 First Place award for her watercolor painting “Memorial Presbyterian Church.” Lyn Asselta was awarded Second Place for “Morning Light: St. George Street,” a pastel street scene. The Third Place prize went to Jeanne Hollington, for “Lightner Museum Courtyard,” an oil painting, and Martha Ferguson received Fourth Place for her nocturne painting “Spring Lights.”
Paul Ladnier earned Honorable Mention for his oil painting “Ancient City Wall,” and Mary Hubley’s “Quiet Pathway” also garnered an Honorable Mention.
“St. Augustine has a rich heritage of attracting plein air artists,” said Elyse Brady, executive director of the St. Augustine Art Association. “The success of this paint-out and juried art exhibition shows the tradition is very much alive today and will continue into the future.”
To learn more, visit the St. Augustine Art Association.
