“Eclipse Serenade” by Jennings County artist Melly Apsley was awarded best in show in a juried competition of solar eclipse-inspired works of art that will be displayed next month at Perceptions in Vernon.
Photo provided
VERNON — Perceptions Yoga, Mindfulness & Art, 139 Jackson St. in Vernon in Jennings County, is hosting an inaugural juried art exhibit April 5 through April 26 to commemorate the April 8 total solar eclipse visible in south-central Indiana.
One of the jury members was Leticia Bajuyo, an artist and assistant professor of sculpture at University of Oklahoma, formerly at Texas A&M University and Hanover College, who has a master’s of fine arts degree from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s of fine arts degree from the University of Notre Dame. She participates in artist collectives including the Filipinx Artists of Houston, Land Report Collective, and Project Vortex.
Also on the jury was Charlinda Evans, president of Perceptions, a media specialist and public school teacher; Cole Byram, a lawyer and artist; Amber Fields, an artist and board member of Perceptions; Melissa Gresham, and a board member of Perceptions; Georgia Nixon, a photographer, and board member of Perceptions. The jury voted for their top three works with a best of show.
The votes of artist/professor Bajuyo were weighted, and the jury did not have access to the names of the artists when looking at the works.
“Eclipse Serenade” by Jennings County artist Melly Apsley was judged best of show. The 16-by-20-inch canvas depicts an eclipse over the iconic courthouse in Vernon.
Apsley has always had a love of art and started painting at a very young age. She enjoys the time she has to paint in her retirement years. She was born in Texas and raised in Mexico City, where she received a degree in art and design.
“I find inspiration all around me,” Apsley said. “I travel often and enjoy painting Colorado Aspens, landscapes and still life.”
Callie Wilder, a 2023 graduate from Hanover College and a Jennings County High School alumnus, took second place honors with a functional sculpture piece titled “Moonlight.” The work is made of foam, epoxy, acrylic paint, and an LED light strip.
The third place award went to Daphne Talkington, another Jennings County resident, with a collage entitled, “Join Us.”
Beginning with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. April 5, the exhibit will be on display through April 26. The galleries will be open for viewing the weekend of the eclipse with most works offered for sale.
Regular gallery hours throughout the month are from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Information: perceptionsyoga.org.
