The annual I Am Woman art competition and exhibit is dedicated to womanhood or the essence of being a woman. Since 2004, Southern Arts Society has invited artists to express their interpretation of the feminine and compete for prizes. Over 60 works of art were entered in this year’s competition by artists from around the region. Art was presented in a variety of media – painting, photography, textile and mixed media. Visit our I Am Woman page for more art images more
First Place $200: Wil Bosbyshell – Weight #8, graphite
This work demonstrated strength in the execution of skill and technique and the woman who symbolically represents the inner-strength of all women. The boulder that she lifts over her is representative of the human struggle to be our true self. It reminds us to be strong and identify the obstacles we still need to overcome in our personal journey.
Second Place $150: Leah Day – Dream Goddess, art quilt
A wonderful display of color first warms us from a distance and stirs up a range of feelings and emotions. As we get closer to this work we find all the small nuances of detail and life-force contained within the energetic lines of thread. In the center is the earth mother from whom all life flows and on the reverse side the majestic blue heavens.
Third Place $75: Todd Baxter – Kassi, colored pencil
Daughter, mother, sister, friend, wife, lover, we do not know the relation of the subject to the artist, however, we recognize the range of emotions and glow of spirit that radiates from the women in our lives.
Merit Awards $50
Barbara O’Neal Davis – Joyful, watercolor
Joyful is the feeling that one has when viewing this work. While the work is visual we hear the laugh and it warms our soul.
Deborah Winegar – The Good Mother, monoprint
Her journey is our journey for without her we would not be here. She passes on her wisdom from generations to form the roots which shape others in our family tree.
Lynn Schilling – Taking Note, watercolor
Taking note is one work in the trilogy of woman represented by the artist in this exhibition of works. This young woman looks at the viewer and in her eyes we experience the anxiety of one getting ready to embark on the journey of life.
Southern Arts Society