The 3rd Annual Juried Exhibition Opening

The Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center (MRAC) will host “The 3rd Annual Juried Exhibition” for visual artists. The show’s opening reception is Sunday, July 10, 2011, from noon to 3:00 P.M., in MRAC’s gallery, located at 419 Green Lane (rear), Philadelphia, PA19128. The public is invited to partake of light refreshments and meet the artists. Artwork in four categories, selected by juror Michael Adams, from submissions by artists from the greater Philadelphia area will be on display and for sale. In addition to determining which works will be included in the show, Adams will award cash prizes, memorial awards and art related gift certificates for the various categories: Painting in oil, water, pastel and mixed media; Sculpture; Graphic including charcoal, drawing, mixed media, and computer-generated art; and Photography. The Exhibition Coordinator is Manayunk-Roxborough Co-Op member, Pamela Martin. A full prospectus with exhibition guidelines can be found on MRAC’s website: mrartcenter.org. MRAC’s  telephone number is 215. 482.3363. 

Juror Michael Adams was born in Philadelphia and has resided in Norristown, PA, for more than thirty years. He graduated as an Illustration major from the Philadelphia College of Art in 1977. The former Senior Designer at Lenox Collections, Adams has illustrated six children’s books and currently teaches in the Illustration Department at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He also teaches watercolor and sculpture classes at the Greater Norristown Art League (GNAL), of which he has been president, and is a member of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society. Adams lives with his wife and maintains close relationships with his three sons. 

Of his career, Adams notes, “I have been fortunate to make a living as a free-lance illustrator and designer.” He adds, “I always painted and needed to express myself on a personal level. About twelve years ago, I took tentative steps into the fine art world. I became a member of GNAL and exhibited my paintings in their shows. I felt as though I was a member of a family and really enjoyed being a part of the artistic community.” Adams is recognized for his portraits of birds and other wildlife in watercolor, acrylic and sculpture. In 2010 he was the featured wildlife artist in the John James Audubon Gallery at Mills Grove Sanctuary in Audubon, PA. Recently, he was commissioned to paint a historical/patriotic mural for the town of Jersey Shore, PA. 

Adams observes, “I have juried a number of exhibitions for local art organizations and also chaired many shows at the GNAL. The jurying process is subjective and I know the disappointment of rejection and the joy of being recognized for an award. When I am judging artwork, my first reaction is usually an aesthetic or emotional one to the art. Personal expression, creativity, design, composition and color are always criteria. I also look at technique and skill of the artist. Usually, it is a combination of these that makes for a successful piece and one worthy of an award. The experience of the exhibit is what it’s all about. As artists, we need to show our work and share in the creative energy we all have in common.” 

Exhibition Coordinator Pamela Martin anticipates many entries to the competition from the tri-state area, and beyond. “MRAC is thrilled both to host its 3rd Annual Juried Exhibition, and with our good fortune to have someone as multi-talented and widely respected as Michael Adams as our juror,” she says. “This is a huge opportunity for established as well as emerging artists. MRAC welcomes new members. Artists submitting their work for the Juried Exhibition can join the art center on the spot and begin receiving benefits immediately,” adds Martin.

 The art center hosts monthly exhibits of new artwork by members of the Manayunk-Roxborough Artists’ Co-Op, a yearly Members’ Show in which anyone belonging to MRAC can exhibit original artwork, art classes for adults and children, Humanities events including poetry readings and literary programs, and special events coordinated with the Roxborough Development Corporation. Martin notes that, “MRAC is in the process of renovating and beautifying our courtyard with added lighting, a fountain, and more foliage. It’s all coming together. We want everyone from the immediate community and the entire region to come see what we’re doing here for themselves, to enjoy what we’re offering and to become involved.” 

The competition is open to the public and artists may submit up to four pieces of original work.  MRAC members will pay a fee of $5 for each piece entered while the entry for non-members is $10.00 per piece. Entrants who join MRAC will pay the reduced fee and receive other member benefits. Submissions can only be delivered to MRAC on Friday, July 8th between 4:00 and 7:00 P.M. and on Saturday, July 9th, between 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. No work will be accepted before or after those times. 

The Awards Ceremony for this exhibit will be held on Sunday, July 31st, from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M., in the gallery at MRAC. Awards will be presented at 4:30 P.M. The gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For additional information about the juried exhibition, telephone Pamela Martin: 610-331-3516.