Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC) is proud to present its 40th Annual Juried Exhibition, a prestigious celebration of local artistic excellence, on display from July 29 to September 4, 2025. This highly anticipated exhibit features the impressive skills of local artists across seven unique categories: Watercolor Media, Water-Based Media, Oil-Based Media, Dry Media, Mixed Media, 3-Dimensional Media, and Photographic Media. With over $1,000 in prizes available, this exhibition is a testament to the creativity and skill within our vibrant art community.
A juror selects standout works for display, awarding a $100 Best of Category prize and honorable mentions in each category to celebrate artistic excellence. In addition to the juror’s selections, we invite our visitors to participate in the People’s Choice Awards. Each visitor can cast their vote for the pieces that inspire or resonate with them, lending a democratic touch to the exhibition. Voting is free and runs throughout the exhibit, with People’s Choice winners announced at the Artists’ Reception.
Join us for a celebratory Artists Reception on August 22, 2025, from 5:30 – 7 pm, where we will announce the People’s Choice winners and honor all award recipients. This free event is open to the public and provides the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and perhaps even take home an inspiring piece of art
“We are thrilled to showcase the immense depth of skills the practicing visual artist community has to share with us,” says Danielle Dieterich, Executive Director of CVAC. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate so many local artists.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience captivating artwork and connect directly with the artists. The 40th Annual Juried Exhibition at CVAC is a tribute to the artistic excellence within our practicing artist community.
Celebrate the unveiling of Pantone of the Cuyahoga River on Friday, August 22 at 4:45 PM with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, a reception to immediately follow in line with the Juried Exhibition Artist Reception from 5:00–7:00 PM. Join muralist Derek Brennan, CVAC staff, and community members as we mark the completion of this impactful public art project. Enjoy light refreshments, meet the artist, and view our concurrent exhibition in the gallery. This event is free and open to the public—come be part of this memorable moment in CVAC’s history!
Image Credit: Robert J. Putka, Perovskia, Hydrangea, and Penstemon, Water Based Media
Robert J. Putka received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Kent State University in 1975, and taught art and theatre in the Stow and Munroe Falls School District for 46 years. Always an active artist in a wide range of media, he has since taken up the brush with a passion after retiring from teaching in 2021, painting landscapes, gardenscapes, and flowers earning him awards and honors in numerous juried shows in northeast Ohio and beyond. He is a member of Artists of the Rubber City, Akron Society of Artists, The Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, and the Second Sunday Artists Collective. His works are in a variety of private collections, as well as the Ford Hospitals Collection in Detroit.
JUROR STATEMENT
I was deeply impressed with the depth and range of all the entries to this year’s CVAC annual juried show. Kudos to all of you who gave it their all and entered their work to be juried. None of you made it easy. The act of jurying is a completely humbling experience. The best and most desirable outcome for a show would be to allow everyone’s artistic voice to be heard and seen. But regrettably, I was pressed with limited display space, so hard decisions and limits needed to made. So, in that light, I hoped and worked to build a show that presents the widest range of artistic endeavors coupled with the very best of the best. Congratulations and love to all entrants on your vision, hard work, and courage as artists. – Juror, Robert Putka
Featured Artists: PDF Accepted List
Memphis Bailey of Green, OH | Carol Klingel of Wadsworth, OH |
Tom Baldwin of Akron, OH | Clara Krohn of Akron, OH |
Dennis Balogh of Broadview Heights, OH | Susan Lash of Chagrin Falls, OH |
Janet Baran of Medina, OH | James W. Leslie of Akron, OH |
Donna Kensel Bargar of Strongsville, OH | Carolyn E. Lewis of Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
Margaret Berrodin of Akron, OH | Jack Liberman of Akron, OH |
John Blazy of Parma, OH | Kelly Matthews of Wauseon, OH |
Justin Brewbaker of Clinton, OH | Ruth Matthews of Wauseon, OH |
Linda Brown of Hudson, OH | Alexandria McDonald of Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
Anita Burgess of Akron, OH | Leo Miller of Ravenna, OH |
Debrah Butler of Kent, OH | Noreen Molek of Columbia Station, OH |
Lou Camerato of Akron, OH | Bonnie J. Morris of Uniontown, OH |
April Cameron of Akron, OH | Mo Mosyjowski of Akron, OH |
M.H. Phillip Chiang M.D. of Chesterland, OH | Jeff Newhouse of Akron, OH |
Pat Coffland of Kent, OH | Marina Neyman of Solon, OH |
Therese Cook of Malvern, OH | Robert Nicoll of North Canton, OH |
Rob Crombie of Twinsburg, OH | Robert Palinkas of Avon Lake, OH |
Jody Crow of Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Joel Rogers of Hudson, OH |
Renata Deluca of Akron, OH | Marcus Schafer of Lyndhurst, OH |
Jeanne L. Fashempour of Medina, OH | Julie Sheil of University Heights, OH |
Darryl Finney of Cuyahoga Falls, OH | William Smith of Stow, OH |
Kathleen Fleming of Moreland Hills, OH | Craig Staufer of Medina, OH |
Wendy Freedman of Bath, OH | Marie Steele of Fairlawn, OH |
Annie Fry of Akron, OH | Carol J. Stevens of Medina, OH |
Brandon Gleisinger of Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Denny Stoiber of Silver Lake, OH |
Robert Goldthwaite of Kent, OH | Michael A. Taylor of Clinton, OH |
Care Hanson of Stow, OH | Nancy Rowe Trube of Macedonia, OH |
Olena Harpster of North Olmsted, OH | Jana Volkmer of Hudson, OH |
Audrey Heller of Massillon, OH | Gwen Waight of Peninsula, OH |
Wendy Hess of Akron, OH | Mary White of Akron, OH |
Sally S. Heston of Broadview Heights, OH | Ricky L. Williams of Medina, OH |
Barbara Himes of Akron, OH | Helen Wilson of Akron, OH |
Bryan Howdyshell of Akron, OH | Steven Windham of New Franklin, OH |
Kevin Paul Hudak of Kent, OH | Keith Wisdom of Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
Yvonne Jackson of Canton, OH | Kellie Wolke of Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
Tricia Kaman of Chagrin Falls, OH | Mary Jo Worthington of Munroe Falls, OH |
Nora Keenan of Cleveland, OH | Pollock Youngpole of Akron, OH |
Rosanne Keillor of Ravenna, OH | Deb Zemanek of Akron, OH |
Awards: PDF List of Award Winners
WATERCOLOR MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Keith Wisdom Cuyahoga Falls, OH Ancestor Watercolor Media $1,000 |
“Ancestor is truly a visual delight, filled with luscious jewel-like color and glittering detail, balanced by the solid and intense blue ground. Keith Wisdom gives the viewer a treat with that quick outward glance of the subject pulling the viewer’s eye immediately into that beautiful face.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Denny Stoiber Silver Lake, OH Warm Enough for Ice Cream Watercolor Media $250 |
“Warm Enough for Ice Cream is a treat for the eyes and warm summer days. Carefully but briefly rendered in watercolor, this charming painting speaks to the viewer of the fleeting nature of summer, the joys of painting, and the momentary relief that an ice cream cone bring on a hot summer day with friends and family.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Bonnie J. Morris Uniontown, OH Rocks Watercolor Media $150 |
“As a child, or even as an adult, did you ever spend hours on end exploring the world directly under your feet? In Bonnie Morris’s watercolor Rocks, the artist presents an environment filled with nature’s refuse; pebbles, twigs and leaves, true gems in the eye of a gifted artist. Here we have a lovely composition that allows the viewer’s eye to wander through the painting to discover the beautifully rendered textures, subtle colors and gentle time worn forms.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
WATER-BASED MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Dennis Balogh Broadview Heights, OH John Lee Hooker Water-Based Media $750 |
“In Dennis Balogh’s beautifully sensitive and personal portrait, John Lee Hooker, the artist uses his paint loosely and sparingly with such a brevity that belies a masterful hand and control. In this portrait, Balogh remarkably allows the viewer to truly know this man’s humanity, history, and personality.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Mary Jo Worthington Munroe Falls, OH Textured Waterscape – Bugs Water-Based Media $400 |
“With the use of cool and inviting color, Mary Jo Worthington draws the viewer in without haste, to delight with underlying subtle textures, random patterns and rhythms maximizing movement through the piece. Textured Waterscape-Bugs is an upbeat, and immediate fresh take on the genre of waterscape.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Janet Baran Medina, OH Unraveling the Chaos Water-Based Media NFS |
“Here we see a painting full of contradictions: spare and lavish, subtle and audacious, spiritual and indulgent, all working together begging the viewer to create their own narrative. I was particularly attracted to the layering of pattern on pattern both subtle and bold to set the stage for a story yet to unfold.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
PHOTOGRAPHIC MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Kellie Wolke Cuyahoga Falls, OH Coaster, Canfield Fair Photographic Media $60 |
“Coaster, Canfield Fair, takes the viewer on quite a ride, with all the ups, downs, turns, and thrills captured in this photo by the eye of Kellie Wolke. The composition, repetition, and movement keeping the viewer screaming for more.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Bryan Howdyshell Akron, OH Lonely Commute Photographic Media $80 |
“Not only is this photo a beautifully balanced composition with a broad range of values, repetitive elements, and great textures and patterns, but Lonely Commute by Brian Howdyshell tells that time worn story of this human condition of loneliness and anonymity in our modern cell phone world.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Robert Palinkas Avon Lake, OH Two Photographic Media $375 |
“Beautifully composed, this photograph balances texture, color, form and shape. Despite the flatness of the focal point, there remains a depth that beckons the viewer to be an urban explorer to wander within the confines of the space. The eye of the artist found beauty in industrial decay, speaking to the impermanence of our manmade world around us.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
OIL-BASED MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Margaret Berrodin Akron, OH Sebastian Oil-Based Media $1,000 |
“Sebastian, by Margaret Berrodin, presents us with a fresh, bold, raw, in-your-face portrait of a young man just pulling himself out of the water. Kudos for a powerful well well-painted and well-composed piece.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Carolyn E. Lewis Cuyahoga Falls, OH Morning Has Broken Oil-Based Media $900 |
“Carolyn Lewis has somehow pulled off a sleight of hand in her painting, Morning has Broken, presenting her impeccable painting skills by allowing the contrast of cool against warm to exist so sublimely in one painting. A tour de force.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Mary White Akron, OH Cuyahoga Sunrise Oil-Based Media $125 |
“Like a tiny jewel discovered in a small box, this oil painting, is loaded with an intensity and atmosphere that draws the eye in to be marveled. The viewer has discovered a secret and spiritual shrine dedicated to luscious, subtle colors, both dark and mysterious, and warm and bright. Truly a little gem that packs a powerful punch.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
MIXED MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Alexandria McDonald Cuyahoga Falls, OH Epsilon Mixed Media NFS |
“In the collage Epsilon, Alexandria McDonald creates a surreal dreamlike space from cleverly pieced and well placed elements. Full of fantastic details, this work creates a beginning, a spark (one definition of the title), that will keep the viewer returning to unravel the piece’s mysteries, or to weave stories of their own.”
– Juror, Robert Putka |
![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Helen Wilson Akron, OH On the Edge of Spring V Mixed Media $500 |
“Presented with such perfectly blended three dimensional elements in tandem with flat medium in this marvelous piece by artist Helen Wilson, On the Edge of Spring, V, taunts the viewer to question what is painted or three-dimensional applied materials.”
– Juror, Robert Putka |
![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Care Hanson Stow, OH Just Peachy Mixed Media $225 |
“Just Peachy, by Carolyn Hanson, evokes thoughts of the importance, silent power and stoicism of women in our culture. This collage pulls the viewer in with delicate filigree, finery and floral flourishes, often tied to the feminine aspect, with a soft and gentle hand, bringing the viewer to address the deeper issues about what it means to be a woman in our society. For me, “just peachy” is my response to the question, “how are you?” when it’s best to say that, than let them know how you really feel.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
DRY MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Clara Krohn Akron, OH Falling Dry Media NFS |
“The drawing, Falling is a masterpiece of incredible craftsmanship, composition, detail and color. This work by Clara Krohn will not disappoint the viewer, presenting a sparkling treasure trove for the eye to explore.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Anita Burgess Akron, OH Gentle Guardians Dry Media NFS |
“Rendered in a very direct, bold and gritty manner but yet still portraying the subjects in a gentle and sweet depiction. Anita Burgess presents the drawing Gentle Guardians of two dogs at rest. Stylistically simple, the viewer is drawn into this poignant portrait of man’s best friend.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Noreen Molek Columbia Station, OH Dog And Cat in My Garden Dry Media $300 |
“This thoroughly enchanting piece may be on a smaller scale, but takes the viewer on a marvelously merry chase in a very big way, in, through, out and back in again like a trip into Alice’s Wonderland. This piece proves that art can be fun in a serious manner (and seriously fun), beautifully rendered, and continue to satisfy with a promise to present something new and delightful with each and every visit for years to come.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
3-DIMENSIONAL MEDIA | ||
HONORABLE MENTION Wendy Freedman Bath, OH A Bird on the Brain 3-Dimensional Media NFS |
“A Bird on the Brain, is a charming ceramic sculpture somewhat reminiscent of the famous Margaret Keane paintings of big-eyed children. Created by Wendy Freeman, this piece is lovingly sculpted and beautifully glazed, and chock full of great detail. Meant to be experienced in the round, the viewer is in for a thought -provoking and humorous surprise.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
HONORABLE MENTION Marcus Schafer Lyndhurst, Oh The Temple 3-Dimensional Media $250 |
“Congratulations to Marcus Schafer for his beautiful, masterfully crafted piece titled The Temple. His work displays impeccable craftsmanship, wonderful sense of composition and design, textures, rhythms and patterns.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
BEST OF CATEGORY Gwen Waight Peninsula, Oh Bird is the Word 3-Dimensional Media $380 |
“This assemblage by is beautifully composed and balanced with lush textural elements and imagery. Constructed of found objects, vintage trims and ephemera, this elegant piece presents the viewer with little clues and hints throughout the piece, provoking a journey of discovery with questions and possible meaning and answers on so many levels.” – Juror, Robert Putka | ![]() |
Accepted Submissions: PDF Accepted Submission List
Full Name | CITY, STATE | Title | Medium | Price |
Memphis Bailey | Green, OH | Eastern Meadowlark | 3-D Media | NFS |
Tom Baldwin | Akron, OH | Thermal Search | 3-D Media | NFS |
Lou Camerato | Akron, OH | Resurrection | 3-D Media | NFS |
Darryl Finney | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Failsafe | 3-D Media | NFS |
Wendy Freedman | Bath, OH | A Bird on the Brain | 3-D Media | NFS |
Audrey Heller | Massillon, OH | Sunlit Shelter | 3-D Media | $300 |
Rosanne Keillor | Ravenna, OH | Mr. Poppy | 3-D Media | $250 |
Rosanne Keillor | Ravenna, OH | Mrs. Poppy | 3-D Media | $250 |
Leo Miller | Ravenna, OH | Black Ibis | 3-D Media | $350 |
Jeff Newhouse | Akron, OH | Multi-color Vase | 3-D Media | NFS |
Jeff Newhouse | Akron, OH | Celadon Jar | 3-D Media | NFS |
Marcus Schafer | Lyndhurst, OH | Dark Star | 3-D Media | $300 |
Marcus Schafer | Lyndhurst, OH | The Temple | 3-D Media | $250 |
Gwen Waight | Peninsula, OH | Bird is the Word | 3-D Media | $380 |
Deb Zemanek | Akron, OH | Barred Owl | 3-D Media | NFS |
Donna Kensel Bargar | Strongsville, OH | Rhododendrons | Dry Media | $275 |
Anita Burgess | Akron, OH | Gentle Guardians | Dry Media | NFS |
Debrah Butler | Kent, OH | Nest with Grape Leaves | Dry Media | $450 |
Annie Fry | Akron, OH | Marrakesh, Morocco | Dry Media | $200 |
Olena Harpster | North Olmsted, OH | Forest Nymph | Dry Media | $300 |
Clara Krohn | Akron, OH | Falling | Dry Media | NFS |
Ruth Matthews | Wauseon, OH | Field of Flowers | Dry Media | $400 |
Noreen Molek | Columbia Station, OH | Dog and Cat in My Garden | Dry Media | $300 |
Michael A. Taylor | Clinton, OH | Donna #181 | Dry Media | NFS |
John Blazy | Parma, OH | Red Burl Sea at Chameleon Mountain | Mixed Media | $2,900 |
Therese Cook | Malvern, OH | Passages | Mixed Media | $1,200 |
Jeanne L. Fashempour | Medina, OH | Garden Blooms Series | Mixed Media | $695 |
Brandon Gleisinger | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Number 2 Fries | Mixed Media | NFS |
Care Hanson | Stow, OH | Just Peachy | Mixed Media | $225 |
Yvonne Jackson | Canton, OH | CVAC | Mixed Media | $400 |
Alexandria McDonald | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Epsilon | Mixed Media | NFS |
Julie Sheil | University Hts., OH | Changes Come | Mixed Media | $350 |
Helen Wilson | Akron, OH | On the Edge of Spring V | Mixed Media | $ 500 |
Pollock Youngpole | Akron, OH | A Day Fishing | Mixed Media | NFS |
Dennis Balogh | Broadview Hts., OH | Untitled | Oil-Based Media | $525 |
Margaret Berrodin | Akron, OH | Sebastian | Oil-Based Media | $1,000 |
Rob Crombie | Twinsburg, OH | Favorite Time of Day | Oil-Based Media | $1,400 |
Jody Crow | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Cousins at the Beach | Oil-Based Media | $756 |
Renata Deluca | Akron, OH | Le Gondolieri | Oil-Based Media | $250 |
Barbara Himes | Akron, OH | Hiding | Oil-Based Media | $350 |
Kevin Paul Hudak | Kent, OH | In the Pink… In the Valley | Oil-Based Media | $500 |
Tricia Kaman | Chagrin Falls, OH | Nikki Lopresti | Oil-Based Media | $1,800 |
Carol Klingel | Wadsworth, OH | Prospero’s Bouquet | Oil-Based Media | $675 |
James W. Leslie | Akron, OH | Sun-Lite Break | Oil-Based Media | $825 |
Carolyn E. Lewis | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Morning Has Broken | Oil-Based Media | $900 |
Jack Liberman | Akron, OH | Italian Tastes | Oil-Based Media | $3,800 |
Jack Liberman | Akron, OH | Winnie | Oil-Based Media | $800 |
Mo Mosyjowski | Akron, OH | Hands Up Circa 3000 BC | Oil-Based Media | $1,200 |
Robert Nicoll | North Canton, OH | Leo | Oil-Based Media | NFS |
Craig Staufer | Medina, OH | In the House | Oil-Based Media | $1,900 |
Marie Steele | Fairlawn, OH | Reaching for the Sky | Oil-Based Media | NFS |
Carol J. Stevens | Medina, OH | Colonel Mustard | Oil-Based Media | NFS |
Nancy Rowe Trube | Macedonia, OH | The Garden Welcoming | Oil-Based Media | NFS |
Jana Volkmer | Hudson, OH | Watcha’ Doin – Nothing | Oil-Based Media | NFS |
Mary White | Akron, OH | Clementines | Oil-Based Media | $800 |
Mary White | Akron, OH | Cuyahoga Sunrise | Oil-Based Media | $125 |
Justin Brewbaker | Clinton, OH | Lowell, Arizona | Photographic Media | $60 |
Kathleen Fleming | Moreland Hills, OH | After the Crossing | Photographic Media | $75 |
Wendy Hess | Akron, OH | Taughannock River Rock | Photographic Media | $40 |
Bryan Howdyshell | Akron, OH | Lonely Commute | Photographic Media | $80 |
Susan Lash | Chagrin Falls, OH | Blue Moon | Photographic Media | $375 |
Kelly Matthews | Wauseon, OH | Who’s There? | Photographic Media | $150 |
Marina Neyman | Solon, OH | Radishes for Sale | Photographic Media | $300 |
Marina Neyman | Solon, OH | Shy Delight | Photographic Media | $350 |
Robert Palinkas | Avon Lake, OH | Two | Photographic Media | $375 |
Kellie Wolke | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Coaster, Canfield Fair | Photographic Media | $60 |
Dennis Balogh | Broadview Heights, OH | John Lee Hooker | Water-Based Media | $750 |
Janet Baran | Medina, OH | Unraveling the Chaos | Water-Based Media | NFS |
April Cameron | Akron, OH | Just Add Water | Water-Based Media | $600 |
Robert Goldthwaite | Kent, OH | Wind Sight | Water-Based Media | $500 |
Robert Goldthwaite | Kent, OH | AI Man or Machine | Water-Based Media | $500 |
Care Hanson | Stow, OH | Whispers | Water-Based Media | $375 |
Barbara Himes | Akron, OH | Don’t Break the Ice | Water-Based Media | $400 |
Nora Keenan | Cleveland, OH | The Branches Between | Water-Based Media | $1,500 |
Carol Klingel | Wadsworth, OH | Aprés | Water-Based Media | $675 |
Joel Rogers | Hudson, OH | Stormy Weather | Water-Based Media | $1,250 |
William Smith | Stow, OH | October | Water-Based Media | NFS |
Steven Windham | New Franklin, OH | The City | Water-Based Media | $100 |
Mary Jo Worthington | Munroe Falls, OH | Textured Waterscape – Bugs | Water-Based Media | $400 |
Memphis Bailey | Green, OH | River Meditations | Watercolor Media | NFS |
Linda Brown | Hudson, OH | Ohio Schoolhouse | Watercolor Media | $250 |
Linda Brown | Hudson, OH | Spider Meadow | Watercolor Media | $250 |
M.H. Phillip Chiang M.D. | Chesterland, OH | The Garden Entrance | Watercolor Media | $375 |
Pat Coffland | Kent, OH | Tranquility | Watercolor Media | $200 |
Sally S. Heston | Broadview Hts., OH | X-Rated Technician | Watercolor Media | $500 |
Bonnie J. Morris | Uniontown, OH | Rocks | Watercolor Media | $150 |
Denny Stoiber | Silver Lake, OH | Warm Enough for Ice Cream | Watercolor Media | $250 |
Ricky L. Williams | Medina, OH | Wreath in the Door 1 | Watercolor Media | $900 |
Ricky L. Williams | Medina, OH | Kipton Silos | Watercolor Media | $350 |
Keith Wisdom | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Ancestor | Watercolor Media | $1,000 |