WELCOME
TO THE
BEST IN SHOW
EVENT
2024!!
This special event has been established to honour and showcase the "Best In Show" winners from 2023.
Each artist was invited to enter two new artworks which were eligible to win one of three
Diamond Awards of Excellence.
The "Best In Show" winning artworks are shown below in chronological order,
along with the respective artist's two new artworks, biography and statement.
Thank you to these fourteen exceptional artists for sharing their talent and artistic vision!
Enjoy the show!!
**WINNERS ANNOUNCED**
UNIARA
COLOURFUL
JANUARY 2023
"Waiting In The Rain"
Art photo
"Happy Winter"
Mixed media
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My artistic name is Uniara, which means I work with different media and styles of art such as digital, computer graphics, animated graphics and illustrations in vanguard, visionary and abstract styles. I use an individual technique, which I developed and improved over several years. In my experimental Art objects, I have one important idea - to try to create something new, to go outside the traditional borders of 2D images. I am most interested in the effects of light, shadow and contours and I like to hide details from the viewers to leave space for imagination. I really enjoy searching and capturing unusual moments and details that I often can see around me. It’s especially interesting to create a special or fantasy situation for my heroes which creates nice emotions for my viewers.”
JOHN DIEPHOUSE
**CRYSTAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023**
FLOWER
FEBRUARY 2023
"Sum Of The Parts (It Adds Up)"
Digital collage
"Alone With Her Thoughts"
Photography
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Diephouse is a Michigan-based, self-taught photographer and digital collage artist. He has exhibited widely over the past twenty years, with his artwork being featured in group and solo exhibitions in leading galleries and museums nationally. He has earned recognition in local, regional, and national exhibitions ranging from Best In Show to a display in the Governor of Michigan’s private residence. His works is also included in several corporate and private collections.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My goal is to create images that evoke a story of some kind that often moves far beyond the relatively literal boundaries of traditional photography. Images may be simply documentary, invoke a sense of time and place or resonate as an abstract blend of color, shape or form. Others provoke an indefinable question that does not readily yield answers without further study and reflection. I draw from a wide range of subjects including people, landscapes, botanicals, wildlife and urban environments. I follow an intuitive but ordered process of layering or merging portions of photos until an image that speaks to me emerges. Most often this is more likely a random bit of serendipity than deliberate intent. Ultimately, my images provide a vehicle to stimulate both my imagination and that of the viewer, leaving one free to interpret and create an individual sense of meaning and value.”
LILLIANNE DAIGLE
BLUE
MARCH 2023
"Golden Light"
Digital
"Egypt"
Digital
BIOGRAPHY
Lillianne was born and lives in Montreal, Canada. She studied graphics and classic art like printmaking in Montreal and Toronto, Canada. Her work is owned by corporate and private collections in Canada such as Groupe Investors, Publications Transcontinental, Banque Nationale du Canada and the Quebec National Library. She participates in many national and international juried and non-juried exhibitions in : Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Snap to grid in Los Angeles USA; 49 at 74 in New York, USA; International mini print competition in Seacourt, Ireland; Triennale mondiale de Chamalieres in France; Milan in Italy; Sarcelle in France, KIWA competition in Kyoto, Japan, etc. She now participates mostly in online competitions.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Capturing and sharing with viewers the feelings, vibrations or memories of a moment is what I derive challenge and pleasure from. I am particularly attracted to and mesmerized by water, mountains and trees and would like to convey to the viewer a feeling of "having been there". As a painter and classic printmaker, my interests evolved and I am currently focused on abstract digital art. In my digital prints I either start from "scratch” or I use scanned portions of my collagraph prints or my photographs and then modify, combine and manipulate them with multiple computer graphics software.”
LAUREN NERO
ANYTHING
APRIL 2023
"Grief"
Oil
"Unkept"
Mixed media
BIOGRAPHY
Lauren Nero was born and raised in Florida and currently resides in Orlando. She graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree and has been practising her art for 14 years. Lauren paints mostly in oil and also does contemporary textured pieces. She is a resident artist at Café Tu Tu Tango where she paints live once a month.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Painting is something that has given me an escape for about 15 years now. It keeps my mind at peace during times where life is not peaceful. I have never been one to have a specific style. I enjoy painting in the moment and depending on how I am feeling my style, medium and brush strokes change. Every piece reflects a part of me and brings me great joy. I only hope that others find joy or understanding in the pieces I create.”
TAMMIE K. THOMPSON
ABSTRACT
MAY 2023
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My art practice is centred around abstract art and the use of vibrant colours and texture to create a visually striking and emotionally engaging experience. Each stroke of the brush or palette knife is an expression of my innermost thoughts and feelings, translated onto the canvas. My choice of vibrant colours is intentional, as it represents the energy and passion I feel for my art. Texture is also a key element in my art. I use a variety of techniques, from layering to scraping and splattering, to create a tactile quality that draws the viewer in and encourages exploration. Through my art, I hope to convey a sense of wonder and possibility and to encourage others to connect with their own emotions and inner creativity. I believe abstract art has the power to inspire and transform and I'm honoured to be able to share my vision with the world.”
JENNIFER DOWD
ALIVE
MAY 2023
"Chroma Droplets A Visual Symphony
Of Colors And Water Lines"
Photography
"Spectral Wisps Imagery"
Photography
BIOGRAPHY
An avid, creative explorer photographer hailing from the stunning landscapes of British Columbia, Jennifer has been intimately acquainted with the art of photography throughout her entire life. From the snow-capped peaks to lush forests and serene coastal vistas, her lens captures the essence of this picturesque province where she developed an innate passion for storytelling through visual narratives. Jennifer seamlessly blends her adventurous spirit with her keen eye for detail, producing captivating images that reflect not only the breathtaking scenery but also the emotions woven into each frame. With a camera as her constant companion, she invites viewers to embark on a visual journey, sharing the profound connection she feels with the landscapes she calls home.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Photography transports me to a meditative state, where the world halts and my entire being is immersed in a focused, present moment. As I capture images, time seems to stand still, allowing me to transcend into a flow state. The act of photographing becomes a profound meditation, pulling me away from the hustle of daily life. In this suspended reality, my senses heighten, attuned to the subtle details of my surroundings. Each click of the camera serves as a gateway to mindfulness, anchoring me in the now. Through the lens, I find solace and connection with the beauty that often goes unnoticed. It is in these suspended moments that I discover the profound and transformative power of photography as a medium for both artistic expression and personal introspection.”
ELISABETH SOMMERVILLE
PASTEL & COLOURED PENCIL
JUNE 2023
"Tufted Trio"
Coloured pencil
"Here's Looking At You"
Coloured pencil
BIOGRAPHY
Elisabeth Sommerville graduated from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary and moved to Vancouver in 1965, establishing her award-winning graphic design business, Sommergraphics. In 1985 she was hired as design consultant by British Airways in London, working with Landor Associates in developing a new corporate design. Returning to Vancouver, she joined Malaspina Printmakers Society and learned the art of traditional stone lithography. Over the next 20 years, Elisabeth became well-known for her realistic renderings of wildlife and birds. Her skill and artistry continued with egg tempera paintings and now with coloured pencils, a medium particularly suited to her meticulous style of drawing. Elisabeth attained SFCA Signature Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists and is an Elected Member of the Society of Canadian Artists. She has AFC Signature Membership with Artists for Conservation. Her work is in collections in Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and the U.S.A.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My strength and my joy is my ability to draw — a gift for which I am eternally grateful. My style is meticulous and detailed and I spend weeks happily drawing a single composition. I experiment with placing my subjects, usually birds, in groups where their poses and expressions seem to form a dialogue among them; a narrative that appeals to the viewer in a lighthearted way. My Métis heritage has likely engendered my love of birds and animals as subject matter.”
CAROLINE TREMBLAY
PEOPLE
JULY 2023
"On The Bruce With Poko"
Acrylic
"This Was Me"
Acrylic glaze
BIOGRAPHY
Caroline Tremblay resides in Ontario Canada. During her undergraduate studies in healthcare at University of Toronto, Caroline included visual fine arts as part of her curriculum. After retiring from a successful professional career, she restarted her passion for visual arts through acrylic painting with a focus on realism. Now, armed with life experiences and a renewed enthusiasm, she has engaged various mentors to help in her growth and development as an artist. Caroline has exhibited and sold her work locally within her community. Over the past year Caroline has received recognition for her work, including several non-monetary awards.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Art, for me, is a translation of emotions, experiences and observations into a visual language — a medium where the intangible finds a tangible form. Through the lens of narrative realism, my artistic journey involves portraying the everyday stories of people, seeking to mirror the universal human experience. I strive to go beyond the surface, weaving tales that extend past the canvas, capturing the essence of shared moments and the emotions that give colour to our existence. Embracing the philosophy that the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts", my artwork aims to be a cohesive narrative that resonates with the interconnected threads of life. Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to foster a sense of connection, prompt introspection and invite viewers to embark on their own explorations of the intricate and diverse tapestry of the human experience.”
NETA GANOR
OPEN
AUGUST 2023
BEST IN SHOW
"Ominous"
Oil
By the courtesy of the Association Of Mouth And Foot
Painting Artists Worldwide
"A Contemplative Moment"
Oil
"Merlot"
Oil
BIOGRAPHY
Netta Ganor, born on October 28, 1979, in Jerusalem, is an accomplished mouth painter, overcoming paralysis with her artistic spirit. A self-taught painter, she joined the international Association of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2003, attaining Associate Membership in 2015. Netta authored and illustrated three children's books published by the association. Her vibrant and detailed oil paintings, reflecting an optimistic reality, have been showcased in numerous group exhibitions and solo shows. A member of the local association for Visual Arts, Netta, with a BA in Computer Science and an MBA in Information Systems, balances her work in the hi-tech industry, marriage and motherhood. Her story intertwines the realms of technology and art, defining her as a unique and inspiring talent.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“As a mouth painting artist navigating a severe physical disability, my art becomes a canvas of liberation. Devoid of hand function, the brush in my mouth is my conduit to control, independence and a profound sense of freedom. With every brush stroke, I feel like I’m transcending my physical confines. Time stands still, casting away worries. My realism captures intricate details, portraying the beauty I discover in my surroundings. I enjoy painting my family and the experiences of motherhood with a physical challenge. With a palette of bold, saturated hues, my optimistic artworks reflect a positive outlook on life. My belief echoes through each stroke: the fusion of mind and heart conquers limitations. Through my art, I invite viewers to witness the boundless possibilities when resilience and creativity converge, inspiring a perception of life's beauty and endless potential.”
TOMAS CASTANO
RED
AUGUST 2023
"Calle Del Pez - Madrid"
Oil
"El Escaparate"
Oil
BIOGRAPHY
Tomás Castaño is an internationally renowned, self-taught artist born in Santander, Spain in 1953. His work is characterised by a serene and poetic realism, which translates the artist's delight in the expression of streets, buildings and traditional facades. His paintings capture the magic of the aesthetics of the old and convey all the warmth and humanisation of environments not transformed by current life. He has shown his work in collective exhibitions in several countries such as the USA, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Holland, France, Portugal, Argentina, Italy and numerous exhibitions in Spanish territory.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"One of the themes that most seduces and inspires me is the animal world to which I have dedicated a series, although my main specialty is urban architecture and the representation of old business facades. My main objective is to transmit and show to the coming generations how their ancestors lived and what the architecture of their commercial facades was like. My second objective is to raise awareness among urban planning policy makers about the need to preserve these facades which would serve to awaken the memory of their past. Through my work I try to give life to these places — which in many cases have already disappeared — show their secrets, revive the collective memory they contain to build a portrait of a society and an era."
ANDREA BORBELY HELLMAN
COLOUR
SEPTEMBER 2023
"A Game Of Cat And Mouse"
Digital painting, ink
"Fox With Her Kittens"
Digital painting, ink
BIOGRAPHY
Andrea Hellman, Ed.D., is an associate professor in English at Missouri State University. She is acclaimed for her TESOL publications and directs Show Me Multiliteracy (multiliteracy.net), a National Professional Development grant project. As a prolific fine artist, Andrea's digital paintings have garnered accolades, including Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards from the J. Mane Gallery, Artist-of-the-Month and Bronze Awards from the Camelback Gallery, a Second Place Award from the Ten Moir Gallery, Talent Prize Awards from Teravarna, and many more. Her art is published in journals like Passengers Journal, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, and Hayden Ferry's Review. She is a member of the Fresh Gallery in Springfield, Missouri, USA.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My current projects are vibrant experiments in color, shape, light and dynamic compositions, all inspired by my image library and texture brush collection. Each piece has a curious spirit: what if Kandinsky re-imagined this scene? What if a dancer's entire movement became one image? What if this scene was transformed into a silk scarf? What if I could perch on the tops of trees with the birds? These thoughts result in whimsical visuals. In the picturesque Ozarks, I draw inspiration from the thriving arts community and the natural wonder that surrounds me. Motivated by fellow artists, actors, poets and dancers, I seek to capture fleeting moments of pleasure. My digital brushwork expresses warmth and connection, inviting viewers to explore the present and wonder alongside me.”
DARLENE HARTUNG
NATURE
OCTOBER 2023
"Trevor"
Coloured pencil
"Vintage Ride"
Graphite
BIOGRAPHY
Darlene Hartung was born and raised on a farm in Bruce County and now lives in Cheltenham, Ontario. She changed her lifelong hobby into an award-winning career and maintains a studio in Glen Williams, Ontario. Darlene’s style is hyper-realism and pencils help her bring out the most detail possible from of an image. As an artist for hire, Darlene creates a unique gift of lasting memory when snapshots from a photograph become artwork on the wall. Teaching allows Darlene to share the love of drawing with others. She believes there is an artist in most people and that you just have to let it out. Four prominent institutions that have Darlene’s work on permanent display are Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Homewood Hospital in Guelph, Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and the Sunlife Head office in Waterloo.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“I try to become a part of each image as it develops and comes to life on the page. It’s like reading a really good book; you just don’t want it to be finished. I deliberately pick images with as much intricate detail as possible. That allows me to go further into the image and lets me stay there longer. My objective with every piece is to make it as realistic as possible, using the meticulous details to bring the images alive.”
JOHN DIEPHOUSE
**CRYSTAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023**
CITY
NOVEMBER 2023
"Remembering Sarah"
Digital collage
"The Fog Of War"
Photography
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Diephouse is a Michigan-based, self-taught photographer and digital collage artist. He has exhibited widely over the past twenty years, with his artwork being featured in group and solo exhibitions in leading galleries and museums nationally. He has earned recognition in local, regional, and national exhibitions ranging from Best In Show to a display in the Governor of Michigan’s private residence. His works is also included in several corporate and private collections.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My goal is to create images that evoke a story of some kind that often moves far beyond the relatively literal boundaries of traditional photography. Images may be simply documentary, invoke a sense of time and place or resonate as an abstract blend of color, shape or form. Others provoke an indefinable question that does not readily yield answers without further study and reflection. I draw from a wide range of subjects including people, landscapes, botanicals, wildlife and urban environments. I follow an intuitive but ordered process of layering or merging portions of photos until an image that speaks to me emerges. Most often this is more likely a random bit of serendipity than deliberate intent. Ultimately, my images provide a vehicle to stimulate both my imagination and that of the viewer, leaving one free to interpret and create an individual sense of meaning and value.”
PEGGY CURTIS
GREEN
NOVEMBER 2023
ARTIST STATEMENT
“I wish to make images that transcend the literal — images that suggest a mood or a greater mystery or a timelessness. For me a photoshoot is a note pad that inspires me to discover the beauty in what I saw on that photoshoot and to think it through in post processing.”
CRGA PASTEL ANIMALIER
ANIMAL
DECEMBER 2023
"Sparrow"
Soft pastel
"Miysis"
Soft pastel
BIOGRAPHY
Crga Pastel Animalier, whose real name is Cécile Carrega, is 32 years old and lives near Versailles, in France. Since she was little, she has been drawing animals. She has fallen in love with soft pastels and is passionate about creating ever more realistic animal portraits. She works to order and participates in online art competitions. Each portrait is a new challenge for which she pays homage to an animal while transmitting a maximum of emotions.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Drawing each shadow, each relief, each hair, each nuance of an animal little by little to see it come to life on paper is my greatest pleasure. I like to transcribe the soul of my subject, which requires a lot of patience and observation. When I draw, time passes without me noticing and I completely escape. It's a special moment between me and the animal I'm drawing. Working to order, the most beautiful moment is when I reveal the portrait to the person who commissioned it. My art gives happiness to the one who commissioned it from me and that is my greatest joy.”