The Spring Judged Creative Photography exhibit was on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley from May 18 to June 12, 2024.

Our seasonal judged shows are open to the public and judged by an invited professional creator or instructor and they provide a fantastic glimpse of what our local creators have been focused on.

A total of twenty-three (23) entries were received that came in from six (6) participants. Please pass along the word for upcoming judged exhibits! More participation increases variety. We are challenging one another to seek out new scenes. We are making note of new and renewed techniques. Participation in these judged shows hones our skills as we learn from one another.

The entries were sorted into a two categories - Nature and Hand of Man, with first, second, third, and best of show awards given out. Moneys received during intake go entirely toward prizes and material fees.

The Judge

Nature's Kaleidoscope

Soothsayer by Victoria Sebanz

First-place

"Soothsayer"
Victoria Sebanz

"Strong, simple subject presented as a single subject in limbo makes a winning image. The clear sharp detail in the leaf are important here."

Paradise Blue by Julianne Koza

Second-place

"Paradise Blue"
Julianne Koza

"Very appealing, that beautiful blue! The image would be really striking if the yellows and reds deeper inside the flower were a little brighter."

2405-PHOTO_nat3 Hearts on Pause by Raini Armstrong

Third-place

"Hearts on Pause"
Raini Armstrong

"The hint of frost adds to the wintery feel of the brown leaves. I kept looking for an anchor compositionally, but the leaves pattern is appealing as well."

Hand of Man

2405-PHOTO_ hom1 Path to Knowledge by Julianne Koza

First-place

"Path to Knowledge"
Julianne Koza

"Beautiful sepia tones and strong composition make this an appealing print. Very nice tonal range and strong graphic elements."

2405-PHOTO_ hom2 Ancient Living by Raini Armstrong

Second-place

"Ancient Living"
Raini Armstrong

"Epic subject matter, thoughtfully presented. Nice to see some detail in the dark shadows."

Echoes of Bodie by Julianne Koza

Third-place TIE

"Echoes of Bodie"
Victoria Sebanz

"I like the frames within a frame element of this picture. The reflected Blue Sky really pops against the old wood of the shack."

Woody Wheel by Bob Rufer

Third-place TIE

"Woody Wheel"
Bob Rufer

"Strong graphic element, symmetry, and color make this a nice image of this classic car. Strong color but it doesn't cross the oversaturation line."

2405-PHOTO_natbos Desert Sage Flower by Paul Ivanushka

Best of Show

"Desert Sage Flower"
Paul Ivanushka

"I love the visual reference to Old Botanical picture books, or even Audubon illustrations. the image quality is excellent beautiful muted tones."

Thanks go to the participating creators 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 show. It will be displayed until May when we transition into the Judged, open to the public, Photography 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!

Featuring - TAMI WOOD - May '24
Featuring - CESCA SPOONHOWER - Jun '24