Membership Exhibition

Marketing Image Credit: Tom Jackson, Strolling on Broad, Oil Based Media

Juror: C. Arthur Croyle

C. Arthur Croyle was raised in both Akron, Ohio, and in Dorfen, Germany where his grandparents lived. His German grandfather was an artist and designer and profoundly impacted Croyle’s career path. Croyle completed a BA and BFA with an emphasis in graphic design and illustration at the University of Akron and worked at an advertising agency, an art studio, and a publishing company before completing his MFA at Indiana University. He then began a 33-year career as a college faculty member, first at Miami University of Ohio, then at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. During his academic career, he transitioned from teaching graphic design and illustration in the fine arts where he taught painting and drawing. Croyle was the Director of the Biological and Pre-Medical Illustration Program at Iowa State and later served as Director of the Graduate Program in the Visual Arts and Culture Department. One of his career highlights was teaching four semesters in Rome and producing watercolors and drawing that recorded the beauty of the ‘Eternal City.’ His work in graphic design illustration, abstract and representational art has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally. Currently, in retirement, Croyle is the Vice President of the Akron Society of Artists and is concentrating his creative efforts on representing life and subject matter in the greater Akron area.

For more information, visit: www.grouptengallery.com/cacroyle

Awards:

WATERCOLOR MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Donna Kensel Bargar of Strongsville, OH Study for Leaving Home $650	“It’s a piece which is fastidious and fun at the same time.  There are so many small details that are handled in an artistic and personally expressive way.  The composition is incredibly well organized, and the artist does not shy away from dramatic value contrasts.  There is real mastery evident in this piece.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
WATERCOLOR MEDIA: Honorable Mention Jack Hickson of Barberton, OH 6:56 AM, Pawley’s Island $595	“The subject and setting have been done a thousand times by watercolorists, but there is a drama and a sure hand reflected in this scene.  It reaches out to the viewer from across the room.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
WATERCOLOR MEDIA: Honorable Mention Ricky L. Williams of Medina, OH Beached $700	“There is a real tonal touch evident in this work.  There is also a sense of subject history and the handling of the medium seems perfect for the subject. While the colors seem restrained at first glance, this work is full of subtle nuances.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
WATER-BASED MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Jim Jones of Akron, OH Marybeth $1,076	“This simple portrait of a young girl is masterfully handled.  The end result and colors are just radiant.  The technique, while painstaking, yields the desired visual and emotional effect.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
WATER–BASED MEDIA: Honorable Mention April Cameron of Akron, OH Still Life with Hair Dryer and Plastic Fruit $725	“It is quite rare to find a still-life where the objects become so totally animated.  The expression and technique bring this array of art supplies and materials to life.  The bold use of color particularly animates this composition.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
OIL-BASED MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Carol Klingel of Lodi, OH She Dreams of Flying $550	“Gravity-defying, whimsical composition that takes many liberties with the medium, typically associated with a heavier touch and application.  The composition defies the typical weightyness that is present in so many oil works. The depictions of nature in this painting are particularly impressive.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
OIL BASED MEDIA: Honorable Mention Rob Crombie of Twinsburg, OH Brust Park Pond $1,250	“This simple, natural setting radiates energy and an atmospheric bearing.  Each stroke is considered, yet applied with a deft touch. Every part of this reflects that energetic force.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
OIL BASED MEDIA: Honorable Mention Tom Jackson of Stow, OH Country Store on Main NFS	“This intense painting almost makes the viewer’s eyes hurt.  You seek refuge from the brightness and clarity in the shadows and the details therein.  What a relief! What a joy!” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
DRY MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Debrah Butler of Kent, OH Time is of the Essence $1,500	“Butler’s carefully constructed composition encompasses a wide range of emotions and symbolism. While her narrative leans on death, there is also a celebratory aspect to this.  The drawing is just superb.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
DRY MEDIA: Honorable Mention Sally Heston of Broadview Heights, OH Marsh at Sunset $500	“This serene, natural scene is completely resolved.  From sky to water, and everything in between, all of the elements support one another.  A masterful work which demonstrates how to handle a landscape and the medium.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
MIXED MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Keith Wisdom of Cuyahoga Falls, OH Bliss $800	“All of the triangular elements push the viewer’s eye to a face that is expressing contemplative emotion.  A powerful composition that integrates a variety of organic and inorganic shapes.  The use of vivid color helps solidify the overall composition.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
MIXED MEDIA: Honorable Mention Barbara Himes of Akron, OH Outside the Lines $550	“An expressive painting where the artist gives the viewers just enough imagery to guide them in understanding this painting.  The use of the media and color is sophisticated and subtle.  People will see this piece differently.  There is much breathing room in this painting.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
3–DIMENSIONAL MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Leo Miller of Ravenna, OH Heavy Water Plant Growth $350	“What’s not to love about this piece?  The forms are numerous and playful; there is an inherent zaniness to this; and yet Miller pulled this all together in a cohesive and satisfying way.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
3–DIMENSIONAL MEDIA: Honorable Mention Lou Camerato of Akron, OH Found $375	“A thoughtful, intriguing work, full of symbolism that can be elusive to the viewer.  You need to dig and spend some time in front of this piece.  Different interpretations will abound.  A restrained,  but subtle use of color throughout and so carefully constructed.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
PHOTOGRAPHIC MEDIA: BEST OF CATEGORY Pollock Youngpole of Akron, OH Oppressed $250	“Youngpole’s manipulations of his photo imagery are imaginative and creative, yet he arrives at a powerful image.  His techniques are largely hidden from the viewer.  We don’t know how he got there, but there is a sensitivity to all parts of his final piece.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle
PHOTOGRAPHIC MEDIA: Honorable Mention Wendy Hess of Akron, OH Randyland Redux $50	“Wendy’s straight-ahead photo captures a vibrant and playful disarray of carnival elements.  It is almost an abstraction captured in a single frame. There are many details for the thoughtful viewer to discover.” – Juror, C. Arthur Croyle

Submissions:

2024 Member Exhibition Accepted Submissions