FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCT. 4, 2014 Contact: Jo Ann Sullivan International Art Show Winners Announced in Gig Harbor Entries came from across the U.S. and Canada. 23 awards were presented. (GIG HARBOR,) Winners were recently announced in Peninsula Art League’s 12th annual Open Juried Show, currently on display at Gig Harbor’s history museum through mid-November. Nearly two-dozen awards were presented, totaling more than $6,000 in cash and prizes. Juror Carla O’Connor, an internationally known watercolor painter who lives in Gig Harbor, announced the winners at the exhibit’s opening reception Sept. 28. The Best of Show ribbon went to Tacoma artist Mary Schumaker for her watercolor painting titled Koi, the Beginning. Patricia Meras, Port Orchard, took home the First Place Painting award for her soft pastel called Montana Spring Thaw. Second Place Painting went to Vancouver, B.C. oil painter Jeff Wilson for Booth Hill Junction. Bremerton photographer Merle Jones’ close-up of a wooden chicken was awarded the First Place Photography prize. In all, nearly 300 paintings and photographs were entered into the show by artists from across the U. S. – from Texas to New York to Canada. O’Connor selected 110 artworks to be included in the exhibition. “I was impressed by the personal commitment to the pursuit of excellence and the boundless creativity,” O’Connor said in presenting the awards. She based her selections on several criteria, she said. “I look for thoughtful composition, a willingness to take risks, refusing to be satisfied with past successes, search for originality, transcending the medium and technical expertise.” She noted that every medium except sculpture is represented, “and hopefully there will be some sculpture next year,” she said. ”There’s really something for every viewer to appreciate in this show – landscapes, figures, abstracts, animals. There’s color, atmosphere, subtleties, emotions, humor, vastness, bold statements and delicate whispers.” According to PAL member Jo Ann Sullivan who chaired the show, one more award – the People’s Choice – will be presented on Nov. 14. Ballots are available in the museum’s gallery until noon on Nov. 13, she said. “We encourage everyone who visits the show to vote for their favorite artwork,” Sullivan said. The show continues through Nov. 15. The museum is located at 4121 Harborview Drive on Gig Harbor’s historic waterfront. ####### Cutline: This watercolor titled Koi, the Beginning, by Tacoma artist Mary Schmaker, won the Best of Show Award at Peninsula Art League’s 12th Annual Open Juried Show. The painting is one of 110 artworks on display at the Gig Harbor History Museum through Nov. 15. Without art, earth is just 'eh'.