22nd Annual Mile High Pastel Exhibition
Don’t miss seeing this exciting exhibit of 96 original pastel paintings available through April 25, 2026.
Center for the Arts Evergreen
31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439
Gallery Hours: T-F 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm
Best of Show
ARTIST: Bruce Gomez
TITLE: Sunset Through Botanical Creek
Judge’s Comments: “This painting pulled me in the minute I walked into the room. The glorious light shining through the trees contrasted with the subtle but powerful color palette in the shadows creates a sense of mystery. And the little subtle sparkles of light that dance around the painting complete the painting. I think it is a truly glorious piece of artwork.”
First Place
ARTIST: Juanita Nelson
TITLE: Prehistoric
Judge’s Comments: “The strong, fluid composition made me stop and look at this one. There is a wonderful use of complementary colors – reds and greens, purples and yellows, blues and oranges. The artist really captured a sense of atmosphere. I think this one is a real show stopper.”
Second Place
ARTIST: Lorenzo Chavez
TITLE: Platte River in Winter
Judge’s Comments: “Another one I kept going back to. That small spot of sunlight hitting the snow in the middle ground just got me. And the composition is beautiful, gentle and flowing. I also love the contrast of warm and cool used throughout the painting.”
Third Place
ARTIST: Nancie King Mertz
TITLE: Les Amis Francais
Judge’s Comments: “My first ever art book was Norman Rockwell Illustrator. I was enchanted with his ability to convey relationships between his subjects. This painting has that wonderful storytelling aspect. I can just hear the lively conversation. There is a very interesting use of chroma with the bright yellow hat. And there is a strong feeling of light throughout the painting.”
Friends of PSC
ARTIST: Julie Raney
TITLE: Girl in the Museum with Green Hair
Judge’s Comments: “The simplicity and composition of this painting is just brilliant. The choice of color, the shapes and mark-making behind the girl really make this piece sing and is just enough to create energy in her stillness. ”
Ludwig
ARTIST: Jeff Slemmons
TITLE: Green & Gold
Judge’s Comments: “This little gem just rings out joy to me. Sunflowers are always a fan favorite. What sets this one apart is the playful and whimsical mark-making. The colors make you dance around the painting. I swear that large sunflower is winking at me.”
Honorable Mention
ARTIST: Vera Coberley
TITLE: Mill Creek Sunset
Judge’s Comments: “I love the movement in this landscape, it’s a beautiful composition. I love the use of the chroma on the cliffs over on the right side that pulls the viewer into the painting. It makes me want to walk down that trail and see what’s around the bend.”
Honorable Mention
ARTIST: Shelly Brown
TITLE: Last Stop
Judge’s Comments: “I love the Americana feel of this painting. The interesting shape of the cloud formation gives the painting a kind of whimsical feel and balance the strong geometric shapes of the sign and buildings in the foreground. The artist really captured the feeling of days gone by.”
Honorable Mention
ARTIST: Jeannette Stutzman
TITLE: Good Morning
Judge’s Comments: “I love the complementary palette of oranges and blues as well as the beautiful lacy pattern of the branches and sky holes. I can see myself drinking my morning coffee and looking out the window at this scene. It has a great sense of place.”
Honorable Mention
ARTIST: Laura Pollak
TITLE: Around the Bend
Judge’s Comments: “This little one caught my eye with its strong composition – it was hard to ignore. The interesting use of angles and shapes moves your eye. I love the use of color and mark-making in the shadows and light on the cliff.”
Juror of Selection and Awards: SUSAN KUZNITSKY
Susan Kuznitsky’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and rich art scene. Surrounded by creative influences from an early age, she developed a passion for art that would shape her future career. After completing art school, Susan made a pivotal move by leaving Chicago to work as the Studio Assistant to Albert Handell. In this role, she was able to absorb years of valuable experience and knowledge from Handell, a respected artist and mentor. Additionally, Susan expanded her skillset by studying with the late Richard Schmid, further enhancing her artistic abilities and perspective.
Susan Kuznitsky is dedicated to sharing her expertise with others. She teaches classes both locally and online, as well as internationally, making her knowledge accessible to a wide audience. As a popular workshop instructor, Susan is also highly regarded as a juror and judge for art shows on both national and international stages, reflecting her respected status in the art community.
https://www.susankuznitsky.com