Best in Show: Pride by Ethel Mitrovic

The participating artists in the 11th Annual Portside Gallery Miniature Art Show proved once again that artistic magic can come in sizes no larger than 16 square inches.

This year Josepha Van Den Anker, an accomplished artist in her own right, was the judge for the works in a variety of mediums, styles, sizes being shown by artists from around the region.

Best in Show

Pride by Ethel Mitrovic, clay sculpture
Judge's Comments: It was hard to choose, but "Pride" for me is the winner! I can't explain why looking at it gives me such joyful feelings of maternal empathy and sheer pleasure. Mitrovic's hand in clay simply translates for me a loving, kind view of life.

Honourable Mentions

Beginning of Time by Vic Roschkov, watercolour
Judge's Comments: I believe the hardest thing to do well is create a work of art in such a small format, but Roschkiv has here alse created jewels with his abstract watercolours. I feel this piece well represents timeless colour, space, mystery and definitely a mastery ... well done & very well executed

Wolf by Kit Cutting, pencil on shrink paper
Judge's Comments: Judging from her art, I feel quite sure the artist Cutting has an incredible kindred spirit with animals. The two tiny paintings repressented in this show are unbelievably full of majesty & respect. "Wolf" in its splendid grace still manages to impary hsitorical fear and I can only admire the considerable talents of this figurative artist to capture it.

Silver Moon by Susan Shurish, mixed media
Judge's Comments: The sheer vibrancy of the wonderful work by Shurish is a joy to behold. Her art contains itself, seen from 3 inches away to viewing from across the room, which is no small feat for such a small format. Da Vinci loved small spaces, which he said orangized the mind. Well, this small canvas is certainly that - well organized in geometry, colour and the dimension of space.

The opening reception was held on Sunday, February 3rd, 2013. The show runs for the month of February. Portside Gallery, located at 187 ½ Main Street in Port Stanley, is open every day from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and admission is always free. You may just find a little gem to take home!