Event Honors ‘Mixed Up’ Artists

Rae Dunn, a popular Bay Area artist and juror of this year’s annual Tri-County Juried Exhibition, handed out cash awards to local artists on May 18 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. “Mixed Up,” celebrates the multitude of talented artists in our local region.

Dunn reviewed several hundred submissions from area artists for the exhibition, ultimately choosing 50 works by 45 artists for the exhibition, which is free and open to the public through June 17.

Caroline Kapp’s toned cyanotypes, “Terminal Basins No. 1,” won Best in Show. Ralph Corners’ “I Don’t Know 1,” an acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, pencil on board, won 1st Honorable Mention. Tom Pazderka’s “The Hike” won 2nd Honorable Mention. David Dixon’s oil painting, “Summer Evening in Savannah,” won 3rd Honorable Mention.

Dunn, who will display a small exhibition of her work in the downstairs space below the museum, is most recognized for her line of household wares sold throughout the United States. She began to pursue a career in ceramics full-time and founded her own brand in 1995. She has authored several books, including 2015's Wilma's World: Good Advice from a Good Dog, “France: Inspiration du Jour” and “In Pursuit of Inspiration: Trust Your Instincts and Make More Art.” 

All the pieces in “Mixed Up” are for sale, with 30 percent benefiting the museum. 

Westmont began hosting local artists in juried exhibitions more than 30 years ago at the Reynolds Gallery. 

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It’s closed Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please visit westmont.edu/museum or contact the museum at (805) 565-6162.