By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

At the Shelby County Arts Council’s Juried Art Show reception Sept. 5, director of arts and education Susan Gordon said, “I think it’s the best show we’ve ever had,” and I couldn’t agree more.

This was my first year attending the Juried Show, and I was impressed by the variety and the quality of pieces shown. Categories included photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, drawing, watercolors and oil painting.

The most exciting part of the evening was speaking to the artists, who showed me that each and every show – and each and every juror – brings something entirely different to the table.

Last year, Alabaster-based artist Joanne Fogle won Best of Show for her painting “Woods in Winter,” which was selected by juror Gary Chapman. This year, none of Fogle’s paintings were accepted into the show, but instead the juror selected a print and a piece of sculpture of Fogle’s. She won honorable mention in printmaking for her work, “Webb.”

This year’s Best of Show winner was Larisa Brechun for her oil painting “Shadows,” a portrait selected by juror Donny Finley. This was the first time Brechun had ever won Best of Show at an art show before, and she will have her first solo exhibit this spring as part of winning the award.

The fact that two completely different artists can win Best of Show at the juried show two years in a row speaks to the fact that everyone sees something different in art, and to the fact that there is a tremendous amount of talent in Shelby County.

I encourage you to stop by the Shelby County Arts Council to see the amazing works on display before the show ends in October. I know that you will not be disappointed.

I also encourage anyone interested in supporting the arts to consider purchasing the works on display, which are on sale through the Arts Council’s website for the duration of the show.

For purchasing information and gallery hours, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Stephanie Brumfield is a staff writer for the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at stephanie.brumfield@shelbycountyreporter.com.