Category: Judged Show

Writeup! Judged Fall Photo – 2022

The Fall Judged Photography show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until October 13, 2022.

Our seasonal photography shows are open to the public and judged by an invited photographer or teacher and they provide a fantastic glimpse of what our local photographers have been focused on. Our photographers are still experiencing limited excursion opportunities due to health concerns but we still find subjects to present, especially as travel is becoming widely possible once again!

A total of twenty-three (24) photographs were received that came in from five (6) participants. Entry numbers are fewer than we had hoped - the photography exhibits have the potential of being one of our most packed shows due to the speed with which photography can be printed locally and we are striving to increase participation once again. More participation increases variety and the challenge expanding one's creative side as they strive to ride the wave of their creative quirkiness, hone their presentational skills, and expand their view of the world.

Despite the lowered participation, the entries were still as lovely as always and there were enough to sort into three judged categories of "Nature's Kaleidoscope", "Beautiful Creatures", and "Hand of Man".

The Judge

Our judge was a local artist named Jessica Graybill.  Jessica works with a number of mediums from paint to clay and bronze. Her current works focus on functionality, art pieces that serve to brighten a space while being used in everyday life!

Born in Santa Barbara, California and growing up on the islands of Hawaii, her works have an intriguing vibrancy and crisp edge to them, which merge quite beautifully into the quirky, sandy qualities of our beautiful Mojave desert region. The fusion of island and desert 'moods' just work wonderfully!

 

Nature's Kaleidoscope

First-place
"Wave Dancer"
Raini Armstrong

"Dramatic! Nice shadows, quality of light, love that it's so abstract."

Second-place
"Summer Blaze, Whitney Portal"
Julianne Koza

"Super interesting blend of atmospheric wonder and man-made elements (the highway) great colors!"

Third-place
"Whistling Solace"
Raini Armstrong

"Really love the composition and the color choice of matting. Appreciate the sculptural quality of the wood in the foreground."

Beautiful Creatures

First-place
"Red Dog Bison Peek-a-boo"
Julianne Koza

"I love how they look like one creature and that they look like they are thriving among the flowers."

Second-place
"Desert Munchies"
Raini Armstrong

"I am such a sucker for a big horn 🙂 such incredible creatures!"

Third-place
"Which Way to Weight Watchers?"
Robert Rufer

"I am also a sucker for a fat quail!Also really love the mounting and framing!"

Honorable Mention
"The Magician"
Robert Rufer

"As someone who has been listening to a lot of 'Hall and Oats', this speaks to me :-)"

Hand of Man

First-place
"Shadow Spider"
Raini Armstrong

"Really eye-catching!"

Second-place
"Outhouse in Blue"
Julianne Koza

"Very extraterrestrial! I would be so intrigued walking upon that scene 🙂"

Third-place
"Grand Canyon Milky Way"
Julianne Koza

"Lovely milky way! I love the warm colors! Nice Shadows and Light quality."

Best of Show

"Shadow Spider"
Raini Armstrong

Really eye-catching!

Thanks go to the participating photographers that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!

If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew and enjoy the Judged Photo show. It will be displayed until June when we transition into the Members-Only "Flowers" exhibit!

We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.

Stay safe and continue creating!

Fiesta by Pat Quandel
Which Way to Weight Watchers by Robert Rufer
The Magician by Robert Rufer
The Kiss by Victoria Sebanz
Sunrise Song by Julianne Koza
Reed Island Girl by Nancy Kimes
Red Dog Bison Peekaboo by Julianne Koza
Pappa at Work by Raini Armstrong
I Hate Baths by Pat Quandel
Desert Munchies by Raini Armstrong
MG by Robert Rufer
Outhouse in Blue by Julianne Koza
Shadow Spider by Raini Armstrong
Eye Catching by Pat Quandel
Flowering Cliff by Pat Quandel
Morning Glow by Pat Quandel
Star Hibiscus by Pat Quandel
Summer Blaze Whitney Portal by Julianne Koza
Wave Dancer by Raini Armstrong
Whistling Solace by Raini Armstrong
American Graffiti Girl by Victoria Sebanz
Keys Water Tower by Robert Rufer
Grand Canyon Milky Way by Julianne Koza

Writeup! Judged Spring Photo – 2022

The Fall Judged Photography show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until June 15, 2022.

Our seasonal photography shows are open to the public and judged by an invited photographer or teacher and they provide a fantastic glimpse of what our local photographers have been focused on. Our photographers are still experiencing limited excursion opportunities due to health concerns but we still find subjects to present, especially as travel is becoming widely possible once again!

A total of twenty-three (23) photographs were received that came in from five (5) participents. Entry numbers are fewer than we had hoped - the photography shows have always been one of our most packed exhibits and we are striving to increase participation once again. The entries were as lovely as always and there were enough to sort into the three judged categories of "Nature's Kaleidoscope", "Beautiful Creatures", and "Hand of Man".

The Judge

Our judge was a local artist named Jen Shakti.  Jen is practiced in many mediums with a fantastic biography that I highly recommend you peruse by visiting her website at jenshakti.com

Jen's work is bold, featuring a multidimensional aspect of the desert that I so enjoy. There is a focus on nature up-close, presenting compositions that are intriguing and vivid.

Her joy and inner expression for the world definitely came through with the way she carefully reviewed the photograpy she judged for Chaparral Aristist. The following entries placed, with comments provided for each.

Nature's Kaleidoscope

First-place
"Woodland Faerie"
Nancy Kimes

"I see the faerie too - what a special, mystical encounter - lucky!"

Second-place
"Nature's Music"
Victoria Sebanz

"The abstract shapes, textures and choice of black and white print, transcends the actual stems and leaves"

Third-place
"Beach Bouquet"
Julianne Koza

"Like Nature's Music, this photo rides a line of what is recognizable, and abstraction, incredible textures, and colors. Looks like a creature!"

Hand of Man

First-place
"Adobe Texture"
Raini Armstrong

"You captured a feeling - this looks like a home that's been lived in and maintained for a thousand years."

Second-place
"Temple"
Victoria Sebanz

"Beautiful Mandala - it's amazing that the hand of man can be so precise in act and architecture."

Third-place
"Bighorn Battle for Mars"
Julianne Koza

"Beautiful exposure - interesting astrological meaning - Aries/Mars/Lams."

Honorable Mention
"Beautiful Damage"
Raini Armstrong

"The title alludes to something bubbly and corroded, but indeed, it is a beautiful texture reminiscent of earth from space, which brings and element of micro/macrocosm of size and scale that I find interesting."

Beautiful Creatures

First-place
"The Musician"
Bob Rufer

"The clarity of color has an antique feel. Looks like her attention has been cuaght by something else."

Second-place
"Who, Me?"
Bob Rufer

"The burrowing owl allowed a portrait. Always a special encounter when nature is still for a photo."

Third-place
"Jingle Dancers"
Victoria Sebanz

"Makes me feel encouraged that young indigenous people are involved in preservation of culture and tradition."

Best of Show

"Woodland Faerie"
Nancy Kimes

This photo shows imagination and sensitivity to the environment - one has to be looking carefully to notice the faerie.

Thanks go to the participating photographers that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!

If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew and enjoy the Judged Photo show. It will be displayed until June when we transition into the Members-Only "Flowers" exhibit!

We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.

Stay safe and continue creating!

Writeup! Judged Fall Photo – 2021

The Fall Judged Photography show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until October 13, 2021.

Our seasonal photography shows are open to the public and judged by an invited artist and they provide a fantastic glimpse of what our local photographers have been focused on. Many of of are still experiencing limited excursion opportunities but we still find subjects to present.

A total of 16 photographs were received, still fewer than we had hoped since the photography show used to be such a packed affair. Yet the entries were lovely as always and they were sorted into the three judged categories of "Nature's Kaleidoscope", "Beautiful Creatures", and "Hand of Man".

Nature's Kaleidoscope

First-place
"Down to the River and the Wood"
Raini Armstrong

"Outstanding. Great composition, well balanced contrast."

Second-place
"Rainbow and Shadow"
Raini Armstrong

"Love how you captured a rainbow and still look at everything else. Framed perfectly to direct attention to photo"

Third-place
"NYE by Moonlight"
Tami Roleff

"Fantastic. Don't see much with the snow! Great! Great exposure. Well done!"

Honorable Mention
"Fruit of the Bloom, Dogwood Berries"
Julianne Koza

"Likes the dark with the flowers"

Beautiful Creatures

First-place
"Maiden of the Milky Way"
Julianne Koza

"Very Creative! Fantastic story."

Second-place
"Honey Bee"
Patricia Quandel

"Sharp focus on the bee. Very Important for macro shooting. Colors are great!"

Third-place
"Stryker 
Tami Roleff

"Love the soft lighting on the puppy. Great eyelights. Subject pops nicely from background."

Hand of Man

First-place
"Golden Gate Abstract"
Julianne Koza

"Love this. Very imaginative. Good composition! Not always the easiest when putting abstract objects in it! Well done!"

Second-place
"Night Out for Mac"
Raini Armstrong

"Well exposed! Beautifully framed to direct attention to vehicle."

Third-place
"San Diego Convention Center"
Julianne Koza

"Great exposure. A little busy, that's my opinion 🙂 I'm not sure what the middle abstract is. But maybe tone it down a bit or have a faster shutter. Please don't take it personally <3"

Best of Show

"Down to the River and the Wood"
Raini Armstrong

Thanks go to the participating photographers that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!

If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew (masks and social distancing required) and enjoy the Judged Photo show. It will be displayed until April when we transition into the Judged Spring Fine Art show!

We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.

Stay safe and continue creating!

Beauty in Life's stages
Viola by Patricia Quandel
This way to the milky way by Tami Roleff
Strykar by Tami Roleff
Stars over Sequoia by Julianne Koza
San Diego convention center by Julianne Koza
Regal by Patricia Quandel
Night Out for Mac by Raini Armstrong
New Years Eve by Moonlight by Tami Roleff
Maiden of the Milky Way by Julianne Koza
Honey Bee by Patricia Quandel
Fruit of the Bloom Dogwood Berries by Julianne Koza
Down to the River and Wood by Raini Armstrong
Transportation Failure by Patricia Quandel
Sand Verbena by Patricia Quandel
Rainbow & Shadow by Raini Armstrong
Golden Gate Abstract by Julianne Koza

Writeup! Judged Spring Photo – 2021

The Spring Judged Photography show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until April 14, 2021.

As always it is fantastic to catch a glimpse of what our local photographers are focused on, especially knowing that we have all dealt with limited excursion opportunities for a year. For some, this meant the revisiting of outings past as our photographers found a gem in their archives that screamed out to be developed. For others, it meant the sharing of newly captured scenes that were taken a little closer to home!

A total of 15 photographs were received, fewer than we had hoped, so the typical three categories of "Nature's Kaleidoscope", "Beautiful Creatures", and "Hand of Man" were disregarded. All 15 entries are on display as a whole.

Our Judge

Mitch Miller was our judge, a professional photographer known for glorious captures of exploration and adventure in our region. With an experienced eye for composition and an amazing dedication to exploring his surroundings in search of beauty, Chaparral Artists were thrilled that he was able to judge our show in between excursions. For more information about Mitch, visit his website at Fine Earth Photography.

Categories Combined

First-place
"Mating Present"
David Clements

The best photographs tell a story and capture a moment. Some of the stories are fiction, but it’s even more special when you can capture reality. The psychic leading line of the younger bird’s gaze directs us to the secondary subject: lunch. And such crisp focus! - Mitch Miller

Second-place
"Burano, Italy"
Barb Wells-Roberts

The image is just magical because of all of the color variety. I especially like how the continuing line draws the eye through from the lower right to the upper left. The repeating shapes of the windows create a sense of unity in this image. - Mitch Miller

Third-place
"Rhyolite Depot - No Entry"
Julianne Koza

What better time than nighttime for ghosts to haunt a ghost town. And this is beautifully lit. Looking through the fence creates a parallel universe that we cannot enter. - Mitch Miller

Honorable Mention
"Yucca In Fog"
Kim Karels Clements

We see so little fog in the high desert that it's exceptional when it happens, and it creates such a beautiful contrast against the Spanish dagger needles of the yucca. And with Joshua trees a little foggier, it creates a sense of depth. - Mitch Miller

Best of Show

"Mating Present"

David Clements

Thanks go to the participating photographers that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!

If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew (masks and social distancing required) and enjoy the Judged Photo show. It will be displayed until April when we transition into the Judged Spring Fine Art show!

We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.

Stay safe and continue creating ^_^

Mating Present
Mrs. Keys Collection
Pepper
Sun Touched Blossoms
Defiance
Rhyolite Depot - No Entry
Slow Desert Stroller
Mt. Whitney Starfall
Reach for the Stars
Ryan Ranch Ruins
Good Memories
On Alert
Out of OZ
Burano, Italy

Writeup! Judged Fall Fine Art – 2020

faFA20

The Fall Judged Fine Art show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until December 12, 2020.

A total of seventeen art pieces were received from nine participating artists. The pieces naturally fell into two categories - "Nature's Kaleidoscope" and "Beautiful Creatures".

I know that the realities of the pandemic are weighing on everyone right now, but I am so pleased that some artists were able to participate in this 2020 Fall Fine Art show! I always look forward to the new creations that everyone shares with Chaparral Artists. I hope that we can continue playing a role in displaying community art and organizing these judged showings. This was our last judged show of the year, and I hope to see even more entries coming in the spring of 2021.

Our Judge

Ed Keesling was our judge, an artist himself working in ceramics. Keesling's portfolio is diverse with his functional pottery, sculptural forms, murals, unique tiles, and class offerings.  He provided comments to those pieces that placed, indicating just a taste of the reasoning behind his judging. Thank you, Ed, for working with Chaparral Artists again!

Beautiful Creatures

First-place
"Grace"
Jennifer Grandi

Second-place
"Heartbeat"
Jennifer Grandi

Third-place
"Break Time"
Raini Armstrong

Nature's Kaleidoscope

First-place
"Iris"
Nancy Miehle

Second-place
"Iris"
Julia Terpening

Third-place
"Distant Blazes"
Raini Armstrong

Best of Show

Coming Up Roses - Sharon George

"Coming Up Roses"
Sharon George

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to the participants and visitors that make these shows happen!

Nature's Kaleidescope 1
Nature's Kaleidescope 2
Evening Respite - Raini Armstrong
Brittle Beauty - Raini Armstrong
Rainbow - Kayla
Beautiful Cactus - Julia Terpening
Looking Up - Joan Scott
Dreaming - Joan Scott
Distant Blazes - Raini Armstrong
Iris - Julia Terpening
Iris - Nancy Miehle
Beautiful Creatures
My World - Sharon George
Anna - Nancy Miehle
Medicine Woman - Nancy Kimes
Happiness Is... - June Fingler
Break Time - Raini Armstrong
Heartbeat - Jennifer Grandi
Grace - Jennifer Grandi
Coming Up Roses - Sharon George

Writeup! Judged Fall Photo – 2020

faP20

The Fall Judged Photography show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until November 12, 2020.

We did not receive the large number of entries we hoped for, but the show collected just enough to share a pleasant arrangement with visitors, regardless. We all miss the days when our Photo shows challenged our show committee's Tetris skills, and we hope that we will see the numbers of entries grow again. The craziness of COVID-19 has certainly affected everyone, but we will continue to create elements of normalcy where we can.

A total of fifteen photographs were received, equally divided into the three categories of "Nature's Kaleidoscope" - "Beautiful Creatures" - "Hand of Man"

Our Judge

Dan Bartlett was our judge, an artist himself specializing in found-object creations. Dan is also known for his photography, but his creativity certainly seems to shine in the gorgeous three-dimensional functional works he creates. Bartlett uses a point system to judge, applying up to three-points toward Technical, three toward composition, and another three toward Impact. Bartlett expressed that he finds this point system lends well to fair judging. Because the show was especially small, with only four participating photographers, the categories were judged together. A single set of first-place, second-place, and third-place ribbons was presented, along with a best-of-show.

Categories Merged

First-place
"Island Girl"
Nancy Kimes

Second-place
"Reflections of the Past"
Julianne Koza

Third-place
"Cloudy Night Burning Bush"
Julianne Koza

Best of Show
"Family Outing Yellowstone"
Julianne Koza

Congratulations to the winners!

If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew (masks and social distancing required) and enjoy the Judged Photo show. It will be displayed until November when we transition into the Judged Fall Fine Art show!

We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art when you can, during one of our shows.

Stay safe and continue creating ^_^

2020 Fall Photo - Hand of Man
2020 Fall Photo - Nature's Kaleidoscope
2020 Fall Photo - Beautiful Creatures
2020 Fall Photo - first
2020 Fall Photo - second
2020 Fall Photo - third
2020 Fall Photo - Best of Show

Writeup! Judged Spring Photo – 2020

spP20

The Spring Judged Photography show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until July 9, 2020 (with the potential of being on display longer depending upon upcoming show opportunities.)

Though we are juggling the changes that COVID-19 had dealt us, I was impressed by the number of people that were interested in coming out and sharing their work with Chaparral Artists. A total of twenty-eight photographs were received. Great job to those that came through and braved the outdoors responsibly. The submissions were divided into the three categories of - "Nature's Kalidescope" - "Beautiful Creatures" - "Hand of Man"

Our Judge

Hand of Man

First-place
"Light and Shadow"
Raini Armstrong

Second-place
"Stairway to the Past"
Julianne Koza

Third-place
"Bad Bet in Bodie"
Julianne Koza

Beautiful Creatures

First-place
"Contemplating Hemingway"
Julianne Koza

Second-place
"The Mandarin"
Pat Quandel

Third-place
"Standing for the Flag"
Julianne Koza

Nature's Kaleidoscope

First-place
"Winter River"
Julianne Koza

Second-place
"Patches and Patterns"
Raini Armstrong

Third-place
"Suprise of All That Is"
Sampatti

Best of Show

BEST-OF-SHOW

"Contemplating Hemingway"
Julianne Koza

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to the participants and visitors that make these shows happen!

Writeup! Judged Spring Fine Art – 2020

spFA20

The Spring Judged Fine Art show is on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley until April 15, 2020 (with the potential of being on display longer depending upon upcoming show opportunities.)

Though we are juggling the changes that COVID-19 has dealt us, I was happy to see friends and beautiful color on the walls. People are still interested in coming out and sharing their work. A total of twenty pieces were received. Great job to those that came through and braved the outdoors responsibly. The submissions were divided into the three categories of - "Nature's Kalidescope" - "Beautiful Creatures" - "Hand of Man"

Our Judge

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Hand of Man

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Second-place
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Third-place
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Beautiful Creatures

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Third-place
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Nature's Kaleidoscope

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Second-place
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Third-place
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Best of Show

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Congratulations to the winners and thanks to the participants and visitors that make these shows happen!

Writeup! Judged Spring Art 2019

The judged Fine Arts show saw beautiful entries! We received over 20 works of art that fit into five categories, and most excitingly, we had several abstract art entries. Awards were shared during the April 14 reception, where the attending artists pinned up their ribbons and were photographed next to their winning fine art.

Animals
1st—Jennifer Grandi—Cactus Wren Hiding
2nd—Raini Armstrong—Inseparable
3rd—Kim Clements—Regal Peacock
HM—Grey Forge LeFey—Familiar

Landscapes
1st—Raini Armstrong—New Moon Vision
2nd—Raini Armstrong—Distant Visitors
3rd—Jennifer Grandi—Desert Bloom

Flowers/Plants/Trees
1st—Raini Armstrong—Sun Touched Pansy
2nd—Nancy Miehle—A New Beginning
3rd—Jennifer Grandi—The Yucca in YV
HM—Nancy Miehle—My Favorite Orchid

Other
1st—Karen Mortensen—Dreaming
2nd—Joan Scott—Found on a Reef
3rd—Khrysso Heart LeFey—Dry Leaves #6B

Manmade Focus
1st—Joan Scott—Sunset at Stonehenge
2nd—Laura Paez—The Neighborhood
3rd—Laura Paez—Raindrops of Rainbows

BEST OF SHOW
Joan Scott’s “Sunset at Stonehenge”

PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Mary Fetterly’s “Sunlight in the Forest”

Writeup! Youth Art Show 2019

Date: March 17, 2019
Author: Raini Armstrong

The first show of the year, the judged Youth Art show, was a fantastic success! We received over 50 entries ranging from preschool to 12th grade. Jennifer Grandi coordinated the show, working closely with Krista Wargo, an art teacher at Yucca Valley High. We thank the volunteers who helped coordinate, and we especially thank the teachers for inspiring their students to create, and for collecting submissions and going the extra mile to get beautiful art to us for display.

Rainbow Stew was packed with friends, family, and art supporters during the reception. Ribbons and cash prizes were handed out to attending winners, and several sales were made! Student art and ribbons will remain hanging for the duration of the show. We highly recommend visiting Rainbow Stew and enjoying the artistic talents of the youth in the Morongo Basin!

Grades Pre-2 entries
Grade 12 entries part 2
Grade 12 entries part 1
Grade 11 entries
Grade 9 entries
Grade 10 entries
Grades 6-8 entries