The 5th Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition (BMRE), spotlighting 58 works in a variety of media, is a dynamic showcase of creative expression from artists in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Currently on display in the Arts Program Gallery at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), these exceptional works examine historical and social themes and events, conceptual installations, and traditional and contemporary artistic styles.Â
“The most important goal of the BMRE is to introduce artists to the curator and staff of the UMGC Arts Program and to our larger community,” said Arts Program Director Eric Key. “In addition, a major component of the program is the selection of the works and award winners.”
The works were chosen by guest jurors Cheryl Edwards, Ulysses Marshall and Sharon Wolpoff, all professional artists who have exhibited locally and nationally. This year’s BMRE attracted more than 160 artists who submitted roughly 460 works of art for consideration. Six award winners were announced at the exhibition’s opening reception on June 9.  Â
“The exhibition celebrates the sheer diversity of artistic practice in our region,” said Treston Sanders, curator of the Arts Program at UMGC.
The first place President’s Best of Show Award went to Judith Peck for her oil painting titled “Coastal Communities,” a statement on climate change that depicts a figure on a roof in a flooded town. Other top winners included Maroulla Morcos’ “Horus,” a fluid marble pedestal sculpture (2nd Place); and Melanie Royster's vibrant “Solitude” (3rd Place), an acrylic painting of rich colors symbolizing nature and empowerment.Â
Honorable mentions were awarded to Timothy DeVenney for his mixed media sculpture, “Inequality,” Susan Lapham for her abstract fiber wall hanging, “Raspberry Sherbet (Road Trip 8),” and Christopher Madden for his politically themed oil painting, “Apes of Wrath.”
Beyond the prize recipients, the depth of talent and diversity of media and creativity on display was extensive. In addition to paintings in oil and acrylic, works in fiber, photography, mixed media stood out, as did sculpture in metal and wood.
Notable was Luc Fiedler’s forged steel sculpture, “Twin,” which offers a whimsical take on identity and the concept of being a square peg in a round hole. Maremi Andreozzi’s “L’Hermitage,” presents an otherworldly portrait of two faceless figures representing Maryland’s history of slavery. And Trace Miller’s abstract painting, “Fury,” a non-traditional landscape, captures the energy and linear qualities of trees, as well as a feeling of loss and renewal.Â
The 5th Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition is on display until Sept. 8, 2024.Â
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