LaGrange Art Museum announces winners of VAAL Exhibition – LaGrange Daily News

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The LaGrange Art Museum (LAM) marked the end of summer with a vibrant and inspiring opening reception that was held on Saturday. The event celebrated the opening of the Museum’s 16th annual exhibition featuring the work of the Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange (VAAL).

VAAL brings together area artists to foster a cohesive and supportive artistic community. Its mission is to amplify the voice and visibility of regional artists working across a wide range of mediums, abilities, and techniques. This year’s juried exhibition highlights the exceptional talent and creativity found throughout the region.

The exhibition was juried by renowned painter and illustrator David Boyd from Newnan, GA. Boyd’s acclaimed work focuses on studio and plein air oil paintings that capture both urban and rural landscapes. He is also the founder of The Boyd Gallery and has received numerous awards for his original and expressive approach to painting.

Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange’s Exhibition Award Winners:

• BEST IN SHOW: Sean Burnley – The Guardian
• 2-D No Glass Category: First Place: Ashley Stewart – Middle Brother, Second Place: Steve Boykin – Untitled, Third Place: Seyoung Kulp – Wrong Way
• 2-D Under Glass Category: First Place: Doug Wolfe – Fathoms and Lightyears, Second Place: Mary Carroll – Tokoyo Rose, Third Place: Charlie Warner – Dune Tree
• Mixed Media Category: First Place: Katelyn Hopster – A Soft Place to Land, Second Place: Maryse Vaillancourt-Prescott – In da Woods, Third Place: Michelle Thomasula – Radiant Knot of Awen
• Honorable Mentions: Steve Close – Shadows, Nellie Ralat – Refreshing, Cindy Fulks – Showing Off

In a special partnership between the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO), LaGrange Symphony Guild, and the LaGrange Art Museum, young artists were invited to participate in a unique contest connected to the Symphony Guild’s annual “My Favorite Things” fundraising event.

“This contest not only inspired young artists to express themselves creatively, but also supported our mission to champion youth arts education while deepening our partnerships within the community. I’m proud to live in a community that values and invests in the arts,” said Jackie Teall, LaGrange Symphony Guild member and LaGrange Art Museum board member.

Youth Art Contest Winners:

• Best in Show: Banks Beall, Conductor, 8th Grade, Gardner Newman Middle School, Age 14.
• First Place Middle School: Eunice Kim, Violin, 6th Grade, Gardner Newman Middle School, Age 11.
• First Place High School: Sara Oliver, Clarinet, 9th Grade, LaGrange Academy, Age 14.

The youth artworks will be on display at the LaGrange Art Museum during the VAAL exhibition and will be featured in select promotional materials for the “My Favorite Things” event. Proceeds from the fundraiser support critical programs of the LSO including youth education concerts, scholarships, and community outreach initiatives.