Juried Art Show showcases local talent in Jacksonville

To assist local artists in being recognized for their creative endeavors, the Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts hosted the biannual Juried Art Show at the Jacksonville Council for the Arts building on New Bridge Street in Jacksonville, May 11.

For the council, the show is a memorable occasion.

“We gather three panelists who consist of artists, council board members and involved community residents to judge the submissions,” said Noah White, JOCA executive director. “We have such an amazing array of perspectives and talent. This show features some of the great talent we have right here in our community and gives residents the chance to see the diverse culture we have in Jacksonville.”

The show is open to all residents in the Jacksonville community. People are welcome to come and browse local artwork that is on display at the JOCA building free of charge, including work submitted to the show.

For contestants, the show serves as a great opportunity to network with other artists in the area and get their work out to the community.

“I have been doing art for two years now, I started with putting together clippings from magazines,” said Adrianna Mejias, one of the contestants. “My son encouraged me to get into painting and I just started one day when I was bored. I realty enjoyed it and have been doing it ever since. My son encouraged me to try for the show too so here I am.”

There were three places along with honorable mentions for those selected. The three winners get their masterpiece showcased in the JOCA building on prime display.

“I just moved here and did this for fun, I was not expecting this,” said Leah Sayles, merit award recipient. “I have been doing art my whole life. My mother is an abstract painter and she got me into art early on. I majored in graphic design at the University of Georgia and work in the field now, so I do this personally and professionally. Art is my passion.”

Sayles was accompanied to the show by her significant other, Cpl. Robert Serkis, also an artist.

“It has been exciting for us both,” said Serkis. “I am really proud of her for submitting. I plan to join in with her next time.”

For JOCA board members, the show is a time to appreciate the Jacksonville and surrounding communities and all the talent and residents that comprise it.

“As an 18-year member of this community, seeing all of the people come out and contribute to the arts means what we are doing is purposeful and is having an impact,” said Cathryn Akerman, JOCA secretary of the board. “I have a young daughter in school right now, so my hope is the arts can continue to be supported so she can enjoy them like we all have.”

For more information on JOCA, visit www.jaxarts.com.