21st Annual Mile High Pastel Exhibition
Dates at a Glance
Exhibition Closes
June 28, 2025
Pick up Work
Monday, June 30 or Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 10am–4pm
Shipped Work
Will ship no later than Thursday, July 3, 2025
NOW SHOWING!
Curtis Center for the Arts
2349 E Orchard Rd
Greenwood Village, CO 80121
Juror of Selection and Awards
Karen Margulis PSA-MP, IAPS-EP, karenmargulis.com
Karen Margulis is a full-time artist and art educator. She works in most painting media but has achieved recognition for her pastel paintings. She has exhibited her award-winning work around the world and has been reviewed by Pastel Journal for her wildflower paintings. She is a Master Pastelist member of the Pastel Society of America and has achieved Eminent Pastelist status with the International Association of Pastel Societies. She has been a faculty member at the prestigious IAPS Convention, the Plein Air Convention and the online Pastel Live conference.
Best of Show
(J. Luda Award of Exellence / Fine Art Connoisseur Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Leslie Trujillo-Batts
TITLE: Intimidation
Judge’s Comments: “This painting stayed with me even when I was no longer looking at it. It kept me coming back to admire the unusual subject and wonderful handling of pastel. I did not however see the surprise at first, and when I did, it made me smile.”
First Place
(Earthberry Pastels Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Jeff Slemons
TITLE: Yum!
Judge’s Comments: “This painting made me smile. I enjoyed the confident and joyful mark making and use of color. The composition and arrangement of the elements kept me entertained and cleverly led me though the painting.”
2nd Place
(Bluebird Studios Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Stacey Roberts
TITLE: Keep Me From Harm
Judge’s Comments: “This was another painting that caught my eye from across the room, I enjoy the unusual portrayal (for me) of the majestic bear, but on closer inspection, it was the interesting mark making and use of color that kept me engaged.”
3rd Place
(Terry Ludwig Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Mitch Caster
TITLE: Dancers From Giselle
Judge’s Comments: “I was drawn to this painting from across the room by the drama of the light. I appreciated the beautiful figures and handling of the light in this painting. The mark making and suggestion of detail kept me looking at this exquisite painting.”
Elizabeth Mowry Poetic Landscape Award
ARTIST: Roger Ambrosier
TITLE: Morning Mist
Judge’s Comments: “This painting invites me to explore a peaceful view that is full of atmosphere. The frame is like a window drawing me in to explore. The muted colors set the mood, but the orange color notes are spices that lead to the tiny animals in the distance giving us another wonderful visual journey.”
Terry Ludwig Pastels Award
(Terry Ludwig Karen Margulis Floral pastel set)
ARTIST: Lucy Yanagida
TITLE: Beneath the Open Sky
Judge’s Comments: “I enjoy the story in this painting. I wonder what the cows are discussing. The suggestion of detail is wonderful and keeps me lingering to discover more.”
Honorable Mention
(Blick Art Materials Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Brian Sauerland
TITLE: On the Rocks
Judge’s Comments: “The artist shows us an interesting point of view in this intimate landscape. I enjoy the play of light on the rocks and how they contrast with the cool shadows directing the viewer around the painting.”
Honorable Mention
(Blick Art Materials Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Sarah Blumenschein
TITLE: The Pumpkins at the Bottom
Judge’s Comments: “I enjoy the interesting point of view of this painting which has us looking down into the basket. The effective use of light on the pumpkins creates a wonderful visual journey through the painting.”
Honorable Mention
(UArt Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Carleen O’Connor Rivera
TITLE: Ready to go Under
Judge’s Comments: “There is a feeling of mystery in this painting that draws me to explore. The expressive mark making pull me around the painting and invites me into the story of the swimmers.”
Honorable Mention
(Holbein Award of Excellence)
ARTIST: Ivadell Marie
TITLE: Symbol of Resilience
Judge’s Comments: “This painting called to me with its bold and beautiful capture of light. The glow drew me in and kept me coming back to explore.”