Despite a touch of summer rain, a passionate crowd of art enthusiasts absolutely filled Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine for the much-anticipated gala reception of their Mid-Season Art Exhibitions. The event, which ran from 4:00 to 7:30 pm, offered guests a chance to view two exceptional shows: “Regional Artists: An Open, Juried Show” and the Ogunquit Art Association’s “OAA Expressions” (click here for a digital preview) exhibition.
“Regional Artists: An Open, Juried Show,” is always a popular draw. This annual exhibition features a diverse range of artwork from both members and non-members of the OAA, celebrating the depth and talent of regional artists. For 2024, we were very honored to have two distinguished jurors, Andy Verzosa and Bob Keyes (click here to read their “Juror’s Statement”), who selected over 90 pieces of art to showcase in the exhibition.
Bob Keyes is the editorial director at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and chair of the Maine Arts Commission. He spent nearly 20 years writing about arts and culture for the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram before joining Colby in 2022. Prior to that, he wrote for newspapers in South Dakota, Connecticut, Maine, and Georgia. In September 2021, Boston-based Godine published The Isolation Artist: Scandal, Deception, and the Last Days of Robert Indiana about the suspicious death of the American artist and a series of lawsuits alleging fraud and abuse. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Keyes has presented papers at the World of Bob Dylan symposia in Tulsa, Okla., in 2019 and in 2023. In 2017, he won the Rabkin Prize for Visual Arts Journalism. The Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance recognized him with its Distinguished Achievement Award in 2014, and he was part of the inaugural class of the NEA’s Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater in 2004.
Andres Azucena Verzosa (he/him/his) is the Executive Director and Curator of Stanley-Whitman House, a celebrated historic house, museum, and living history center in Farmington, Connecticut, a role he has held since 2018. Previously, he served as the Interim Executive Director and Curator of the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and as Director of Aucocisco Galleries in Portland, Maine. Andres is an active member of the cultural community, currently serving on the boards of the Abbe Museum and the Connecticut League of Museums. He is also on the Colby College Museum Board of Governors. His past board positions include the Maine Historical Society, Tides Institute & Museum of Art, Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Maine College of Art, the Quimby Family Foundation, and the Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance. Notably, he co-founded Portland’s First Friday Art Walk. Verzosa studied art history and studio art at the University of Maine and earned his B.F.A. from the Maine College of Art. He and his partner reside in New Britain, Conn., and have a summer home in Downeast Maine.
Alongside “Regional Artists: An Open, Juried Show,” the “OAA Expressions” exhibition provided visitors with an array of artwork by juried Ogunquit Art Association members encompassing a wide variety of subjects and mediums, further enriching the evening’s artistic experience.
The Sculpture Court, featuring works by OAA Sculptors and invited New England sculptors, added an additional layer of intrigue to the evening. Additionally, the gallery’s Expanded Collectors Gallery showcased ready-to-hang artwork, no larger than 16×20, all priced at no more than $850, making art accessible to a broader audience.
The Mid-Season Art Exhibitions at Barn Gallery (which run from June 26th through July 27th, 2024), offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich artistic heritage of the Ogunquit Art Association and the greater Ogunquit Art Colony at large. If you didn’t find your way to the opening reception, you should definitely set aside some time to stop in during your next trip to Ogunquit and surround yourself with the positive power of authentic art!
Continue reading below for more information…
Photos of the Gala Reception for the 2024 Mid-Season Exhibitions at Barn Gallery (by OAA Artist Member, Dave Wade) – Open, Regional, Juried Show
Photos of the Gala Reception for the 2024 Mid-Season Exhibitions at Barn Gallery (by OAA Artist Member + President – Ogunquit Arts Collaborative/Barn Gallery, Deidre O’Flaherty) – Open, Regional, Juried Show
Jurors’ Statement for “Regional Artists: An Open, Juried Show”
Greetings, Art Enthusiasts and Creators,
With immense pride and heartfelt appreciation, we unveil the selections for the Ogunquit Art Association’s 2024 Open Juried Show. This year’s enthusiasm and exceptional quality of submissions have been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing the dynamic and devoted community of artists that make this exhibition possible.
The selection process was a journey—a rewarding challenge that brought us face-to-face with many unique voices and visions. Each submission was a testament to the boundless creativity that defines contemporary art, and our goal was to distill this into an exhibition that not only represents technical brilliance and originality but also resonates with compelling narratives and emotional profundity. Our shared history and mutual respect expertise guided us through this rigorous process, ensuring a harmonious and thoughtful curation.
In our roles as jurors, we evaluated each piece with a focus on its aesthetic and technical merit, innovative spirit, and the depth of its meaning/storytelling. The resulting exhibition is a vibrant mosaic of two-dimensional paintings, evocative photography, intricate drawings, and diverse mixed media works, each contributing to a powerful collective narrative.
Exhibitions like this transcend mere display; they embody the essence of community and togetherness that art inherently fosters. They provide a window into the evolving landscape of the art world, spotlighting emerging trends and significant voices. Above all, they affirm the transformative power of art—its ability to inspire, challenge, and unite us.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the artists who submitted their work. Your dedication and talent are evident in every piece, and your contributions are invaluable. This exhibition aims to highlight your incredible work and fortify the bonds within our artistic community.
To the public, this exhibition is an invitation to explore and engage with the rich tapestry of contemporary art. It’s an opportunity to witness creativity in its purest form and to participate in a dialogue that breathes life into each piece. Your presence and engagement are crucial, as they validate the artists’ efforts and provide essential feedback that will fuel their future creations.
For the artists, an engaged audience is a cornerstone of their journey. It fosters an exchange of ideas, instills a sense of accomplishment, and can lead to new growth and opportunities. Your support not only celebrates individual artists but also underscores the significance of art in our society.
Thank you for being part of this artistic journey and your dedication to creating art that truly matters. We invite everyone to immerse themselves in this extraordinary exhibition, celebrate the creativity it represents, and partake in the ongoing dialogue art so beautifully inspires.
With sincere appreciation,
Andy Verzosa & Bob Keyes
Addendum:
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the artists who submitted their work for the Ogunquit Art Association’s 2024 Open Juried Show. The volume and quality of your submissions were a source of inspiration and made the selection process both exhilarating and challenging.
While not all pieces could be included in this year’s exhibition, your contributions remain deeply valued. Creating and sharing your art is a profound gift to our community and the broader cultural landscape. Each submission enriches the dialogue within the art world and highlights our artists’ vibrant creativity and dedication.
Your work, even if not selected, holds immense significance. It reflects your unique perspective and contributes to the collective fabric of contemporary art. We encourage you to continue creating, pushing boundaries, and sharing your voice. Every piece you produce contributes to the evolution of the arts and has the potential to inspire, challenge, and connect with others.
Thank you for your passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the arts. We look forward to seeing more of your work in future exhibitions and continuing this journey together.
Jurors:
Bob Keyes: Editorial Director at Colby College, Chair of the Maine Arts Commission, and an award-winning arts journalist with decades of experience.
Andres A. Verzosa: Executive Director & Curator of Stanley-Whitman House, with a distinguished career in art curation and a deep commitment to community engagement.
The 2024 submissions were notably impressive, with 171 artists entering a total of 308 works. This represents a significant increase from 2019, when 82 artists entered 157 works of art. The growing participation underscores the thriving and dynamic nature of our regional art community.
Congratulations!
We thank Bob Keyes and Andres A. Verzosa for selecting an exciting and beautiful exhibition and we thank all of the artists who enter work in this exhibition year after year.
Deidre O’Flaherty, President – Ogunquit Arts Collaborative/Barn Gallery
Barn Gallery 2024: Exhibitions, Gallery Talks, Workshops, Demos, Auction, More…
Learn more about the Barn Gallery 2024 Schedule: barngallery.org/2024-season
