Juror's Statement

Bridget Hauser

September 2025 Best in Show Mudman Pranks Alice by Mary Owens

My background is of a lifelong ceramic artist. I received a B.A. in Ceramic Arts from Indiana University. I have worked with wood and stone sculptors and several Ceramic Artists. My husband and I built a business wholesaling a line of functional and decorative pottery called Sunset Canyon Pottery. I opened the Sunset Canyon Gallery in the Dripping Springs area showcasing local and national artists. We taught community classes and hosted several shows a year.

The opportunity to jury the work submitted for the September 5th, Wimberley Valley Art League exhibition, was also an honor. I am not sure my approach is the same as others, my goal was to put together a balanced offering of your members’ talent. I must admit, facing the works of all those accomplished artists was a bit intimidating. I decided to go forward with what spoke to me emotionally, or intellectually first, then the execution or presentation second. It is my hope that the show I have put together is balanced and highlights the depth of talent among this group.

It is difficult not to be disappointed when your piece is not chosen. Often it is not a comment on the quality of your work, but how it speaks to the Juror. This was a tough job. All the work was impressive in one way or another. Content, color, line, movement and how it speaks to the observer were the elements that I looked at.

My choice for best of show, Mudman Pranks Alice, was interesting and compelling on several levels. I enjoyed the visual texture and use of line. The nod to cubism in the form of the ‘Mudman’ and use of color was exciting, and all worked. I am not sure I understand the Pranking Alice part, but it does not detract from the overall presence this piece has.

The second-place choice of ‘Vanishing Memories’ grabbed me emotionally even before I knew the title. The use of textile to frame the images recalled a scrapbook. The composition of line, color and faded images reinforced that concept. A sincere heart tug!

Third Place is an abstract, Molecular 5 Motion Study, reminded me of the kinetic mobiles of Alexander Calder, with line and color creating the movement perceived in the piece. I enjoyed the softened use of color. The muted gray background with the emerging pastel molecules gave a quiet sense of gentle movement.

Congratulations

to the community of artists that make up the Wimberly Valley Art League. It is a powerful thing to support each other in your creative endeavors. Thank you for the opportunity to see your work and jury the selections for this falls show.