CITY
MARCH 2026
BEST IN SHOW
JOHN DIEPHOUSE
**RUBY ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2024**
**CRYSTAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023**
* BEFORE THE CROWDS ARRIVE *
Photography
"I am a self-taught photographer and digital collage artist and am attracted to a wide variety of subjects ranging from natural landscapes, botanicals and wildlife to images that provide either abstract expression or social commentary. I am interested in sharing images that evoke a story of some kind. Images may be simply documentary, reflect a sense of time and place or resonate on a more abstract level of color, shape or form. Others provoke an indefinable question that does not readily yield answers without further study and reflection.” — JOHN DIEPHOUSE
GOLDEN TRIO AWARD
KENNETH RICCI
**SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2025**
* IF YOU BUILD IT *
* NEW CHANGES * * FINALLY THE ONE *
Cut/paste paper collage
"I work in a sort of literary/philosophical framework so within that context my reference points are the parables of Kafka and the aphorisms of Kierkegaard. Because elements determine content, the process of creation is both constrained and liberated by the available elements at any given time and it is the improvised procedure of choice, assembly and judgment that settles the argument" — KENNETH RICCI
GOLDEN TRIO AWARD
KSELMA RANDVALD
* THE CITY'S SOUL *
* THE ETERNAL GUARDIAN * * THE HEARTBEAT OF MONTMARTRE *
Oil
“In this series I present the urban landscape as a living, breathing entity, united by the symbolic presence of the mill and the energy of the color red. My work explores three distinct urban states. 'The City's Soul' captures the city as light, where the mill acts as a warm, sacred beacon amidst the hazy silhouettes. 'The Eternal Guardian' shifts the perspective to drama and endurance, portraying the mill as a silent observer above the rhythmic, EKG-like skyline of an industrial zone. Finally, 'The Heartbeat of Montmartre' celebrates the city as a festival of passion, where the iconic Moulin Rouge embodies the night’s movement and cultural pulse. Through bold impasto oil strokes and a vibrant palette, I aim to show that the city is not just stone and steel but a constant flow of light, history and emotion.” — KSELMA RANDVALD
EMERALD AWARD
ELLIOT APPEL
* MANHATTAN MONEY *
Acrylic
“As an artist, I want the viewer to share my interest in everyday objects that are unique to ‘the city’. All too often, people may find themselves rushing from place to place without noticing the beauty, history, diversity and culture that surrounds them. They may not have an opportunity to appreciate the street performer, the antiquated storefront, the interesting window reflection — things that contribute to making urban living worthwhile and enriching. I also strive to capture remnants of the ‘old’ city on canvas before they become fleeting memories — the city of five-story walk-ups, ornamental windows and hand-painted signs. I think it’s important to remember these things. My art allows people to ‘slow it down’. It gives the viewer a chance to focus on some of the overlooked details that are an integral part of their daily lives; hopefully viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for their surroundings and share my love of ‘the city’.”
— ELLIOT APPEL
RUBY AWARD
JAY JOHANSEN
**SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2024**
* HER NIGHT, HER CITY *
Acrylic
“My art explores identity, emotion and legacy. Through portraits I capture not just likeness but essence, using bold palettes and textures to evoke nostalgia, intrigue and reflection inviting viewers to connect with deeper stories. Legacy, history & experience — that’s what makes the story telling, by way of oil & acrylic mediums — approachable, relevant & enduring.” — JAY JOHANSEN
SAPPHIRE AWARD
GUDRUN ENGEL
* SKYLINE *
Acrylic
“Since discovering painting, I've been captivated by it. This is especially true for the interplay of colors and the diverse ways they can be used — oil and acrylic paintings are enlivened also by the many techniques available for application which gives them their unique expression. Painting allows me to express my soul and feelings. I find it particularly exciting that sometimes completely different aspects emerge during the painting process and the development of a painting takes a new direction.” — GUDRUN ENGEL
CRYSTAL AWARD
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AWARD OF MERIT
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HONOURABLE MENTION
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FINALISTS
**WINNERS VIDEO**