Collection: Annual National Juried Exhibition

Juror: Jeffrey Allison

Director of Statewide Programs and Exhibitions
Paul Mellon Collection Educator, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

We are honored to welcome Jeffrey Allison as the juror for this year’s Juried Art Exhibition. With decades of experience in arts education and curation across the Commonwealth, Jeffrey brings a thoughtful, insightful voice to the selection process. Below are his award selections and reflections on the chosen works.

Best in Show- Aldo Muzzarelli – Mauldin, SC
“From Extemporaneous Menina Series: La Otra Señorita”

“A powerful mixed media work that combines oil, nails, canvas, and gold leaf. It blends contemporary portraiture with historic costume to explore themes of beauty, prejudice, freedom, and equality—all while maintaining a sense of hope and optimism.”

First Place- Elizabeth Weber – Little Rock, AR
“Nesting”

“A beautifully crafted mixed media piece made from pine needles, waxed linen, wool, and wood. It transforms natural materials into a delicate, geometric celebration of birds and their nests.”

Second Place- John Shuptrine – Lynchburg, VA
“Belloise”

“A playful and precise sculpture combining wood and antique camera parts. This work honors the elegance of vintage design while reimagining the artist’s tools in a humorous and inventive way.”

Third Place- David Eakin – Forest, VA
“Scottish Clouds”

“This gouache painting captures a stunning interplay of light and color. Soft blues and whites reflect in the sky and contrast beautifully with warm terracotta buildings in a peaceful Scottish landscape.”

Juror’s Choice Awards

Laren Baum – Lynchburg, VA
“Blueprint View Area Tabulation”

“A mixed media work using acrylic, charcoal, pencil, and upcycled blueprints. The layering and textures create a dynamic and thought-provoking composition.”

Lisa Downey – Lynchburg, VA
“From My Window”

“A quiet, emotive oil painting that invites viewers into a moment of introspection. It captures the stillness and intimacy of a view from home.”

Robert Hunter – Colonial Beach, VA
“The House of Remus”

“An original digital print that combines narrative and visual mystery. The piece draws you in with its moody, cinematic quality.”

Congratulations to all the artists selected, and thank you to everyone who submitted work to this year’s exhibition. We are proud to celebrate the creativity and talent of our regional and national art community.