Welcome to the
2026 Juried National Online Show

Our Show Judge

Mark Ivan Cole
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARK

First Place

"Blacksmith's Shop"
Edgar Carabio

"This painting is a tour-de-force, covering everything from interior to figures to still life, with a bit of abstracted landscape thrown in to cover all the bases. The drawing is impeccable, so the perspective is clear. Every surface is treated with care: the dirt, the worn wood, the corrugated metal, even the label on the small container on the old bench. There is just enough color to keep this from being monochromatic, and just enough reflected light to keep it from feeling dinghy. The forge is hot, the work is in progress, and time marches on, measured by the rhythm of the hammer and marked by a shaft of sunlight on the dirt floor."

— Mark Cole, Judge of Awards

Second Place

"Offerings"
Patti Arbino

"Treasures are everywhere, if we will only look for them. The artist has brought us a fantastic collection of them here. The colors of this vibrant painting make the strongest first impression, but several other elements make it even more special. The lighting is excellent, and the inner shadows tantalize the eye before descending into blackness. The random variances in the sizes, colors, shapes and positions of these stones give this composition a uncontrived organic appearance while forming a cohesive arrangement that pleases the eye. Every rock here is a gem."

— Mark Cole, Judge of Awards

Third Place

"Dinner With A Friend"
Jeff Slemons

"This painting is a study in collaborating contrasts: cool lushness and sunny warmth, superb drawing accuracy and seemingly random bold marks, deep shadows and bright, colorful highlights. All of it works together to bring us a quiet, peaceful scene in which the very air is vibrant and alive. The mark-making is confident. Even the well-drawn horses are rendered with directional strokes and squiggles. From a distance, it is atmospheric and near-photographic; up close, it dissolves into delightful chaos!"

— Mark Cole, Judge of Awards

Terry Ludwig Award

"Florescent Minerals"
Laura Pollak

"Whether this abstract painting is based on an actual landscape or not, it presents a sense of space that entices the viewer to look deeper. The brilliant orange gold attracts immediate attention, suggesting light, heat and movement. Downstream, the flow turns crimson. Our eye is drawn upstream where the colors turn cool. The source remains a mystery, as does the reason for the subtle yet powerful color shifts in the surrounding boulders. If we are deep underground, this place makes its own light. We are invited to explore."

— Mark Cole, Judge of Awards

Member Award

"Rooster"
Nancy Yocom

"Behold, a fowl with Attitude! How can this much audacity fit into an eight by eight inch square? Clearly, it cannot, so out it comes. Dramatic contrasts of hot and cold, light and dark, and depiction and suggestion make this rooster stand out (pun intended). The background supports and propels the main subject forward. The bird has poise, weight, movement, and did I mention attitude?"

— Mark Cole, Judge of Awards