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!

General Meeting - May 2022
"FLOWERS" - Jun '22