Here are the judges comments for the Bernardsville show: 1. Best in Show—Daniel Cosentino�"Hammer"�This photo has a soothing simplicity and serenity. The sepia tone works to highlight the subtle textures on the wall, pedestal and floor. The vertical composition and image evoke a feeling of strength which is further enhanced by the subject being a tool. 2. Award of Excellence—Catherine Polcaro�"Abiding Peace"�This oil painting is very well executed especially the hair, smoke and folds in the garment. The figure fills the space boldly which is enhanced by it being painted in black and white. There is a feeling of movement and a moment in time is captured. 3. Award of Excellence—Tammy Mcentee “Dutch Dreams”�This colored pencil piece is beautifully executed. The quality is consistent, delicate and pristine 4. Award of Excellence—Dawn Kandall�"Rough Day"�The expression in the eyes and the slightly messy hair captures a mood of the end of a long day of activity at the beach. There is very nice detail in the weave of the chair and the peeks into what is beyond the chair. 5. Award of Merit - Mike Dziomba “6.2 million! Ha!” This acrylic painting comments on the contemporary art scene and incorporates humor. The “exhibition” of a banana taped to a wall caused a major stir in the art world and this painting which shows actual skill captures this irony. 6. Honorable Mention - Kat Block “Expansive” This mixed media piece contains intriguing rich and subtle color. There is a nice movement in the composition between the foreground and background. 7. Honorable Mention - Barbara Woodruff “Dreaming” There is an interesting flow of shapes in this watercolor. The viewer looks up at the angel which, itself, is looking down in contemplation. 8. Honorable Mention - Ricky Martins “Dinner Dance” This is a well-executed piece in pencil and has a precise and delicate touch of humor. Perhaps an homage to Marc Chagall. 9. Mention - Laura Shabazz “Don’t Bother Me, I’m Reading. This is an intricate, carefully done collage using a nice variety of images. The composition is imaginative showing how reading brings an abundance of ideas to the minds of those who read. 10. Mention - Bonnie Wildenfeld “Waiting for the Crosstown Shuttle” This pastel has a powerful geometric composition of perspective with tapering verticals and vibrant colors. It perfectly captures the mood of a NYC subway station. 11. Mention - Ann Antoshak “A Day Out” This is an ambitious oil with figures in the foreground wearing white and accented with beautiful subtle pastel colors showing the folds in their garments. Very clearly a warm sunny day. An interesting composition of geometric blocks anchors the figures into the environment. 12. Mention - Preetha Bhattacharya “The Dragon Fly” This acrylic painting of a dragonfly is very imaginative. The dragonfly is delicately perched on the stem of a plant with a magical bead of water that magnifies (a city scape?) just about to drop off the tip of the branch. (fb)

More fun had at the NJAA artist reception on Sunday afternoon. Congratulations to all the award winners! (fb)