Fishers Municipal Center welcomed the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) into its bright, open gallery space for the fifth annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists awards ceremony on Friday evening, Sept. 13.
As in the previous four years, Jiffy Lube of Indiana was the art competition’s title sponsor, and Jiffy Lube of Indiana CEO Steve Sanner was present to welcome artists and guests. This year, Noblesville Creates stepped in as the new People’s Choice award sponsor, with its executive director, Ailithir McGill, presenting the award. This year the boundary for the exhibit was extended to a mile beyond the county line, permitting artists who consider Hamilton County their home, but reside in surrounding counties.
The “Best in Show” winner was Carmel resident Jerry Mannell for his painting “Harbinger.” He received an award of $1,000, a solo exhibit for 2025, and the following comment from the show’s judge, Dan Annarino:
“Anyone looking at this painting for the first time needs to think about it. ‘What’s it all about?’ Might the viewer see a bird – a Cardinal, perhaps – and a mailbox? There are so many ways to look at this painting because it has so much depth. The subtle colors work well. The composition/balance is very good because the painting itself is so active. There is lots of movement in this kinetic presentation.”
The Best in Show winning artwork was “Harbinger” by Jerry Mannell of Carmel. (Art provided by Fishers Arts Council)
Best Landscape, sponsored by Wasson Nursery, was awarded to Karissa Rumsey of Fishers for “Pemaquid Lighthouse.”
Casey Williams of McCordsville won Best Floral/Other for “Garden Goddess.” Noblesville artist Deborah Smith received Best Portrait/Figurative for her oil painting, “A Midsummer Day’s Dream.” “Nature’s Layers,” a mixed media piece by Caroline Hays of Noblesville, won Best Abstract. Each of these artists received $600.
Two merit awards were also presented, courtesy of a grant from Walmart #5767. Recipients were Brinton Farrand of Cicero and Craig Mullins of Indianapolis. All winners were selected by juror Dan Annarino of West Lafayette.
There was also stiff competition for the Noblesville Creates People’s Choice award, with patrons voting on Facebook and in-person in the gallery. The winner was Fishers resident Stephanie Carignan with her impasto work, “Weathered & Woven Grassland.” It received the most overall votes, both online and in-person and a $250 cash prize.
The Noblesville Creates People’s Choice Winner was “Weathered & Woven Grassland” by Stephanie Carignan of Fishers. (Art provided by Fishers Arts Council)
All of these award-winning paintings are for sale, as are almost all of the other equally amazing works in the gallery through Sept. 28. FAC hopes that many Hamilton County residents, and others, will visit the Art Gallery at City Hall in the Fishers Municipal Center and experience the art and enjoy the work of many talented people in our area.
Guests can visit the gallery in person at 1 Municipal Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 28. You can also see the juried exhibit in the online gallery on Facebook page at Facebook.com/FishersArt.
About the Fishers Arts Council
Fishers Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities that educate and/or enhance the lives of those who live, work, and visit Fishers. Visit the brand-new gallery space inside Fishers Municipal Center at 1 Municipal Drive. FAC also maintains the Hub Gallery at the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers. Check out FishersArtsCouncil.org or call (317) 537-1670 for more information.