In conjunction with the opening of the Expressions West 2014 exhibition on April 23, juror Robert Canaga announced his selection of prize winners in this 13 state painting competition. The First Place Prize was awarded to Harold W. Johnson of SeaTac, Washington for his oil Portland, the Max. The Second Place was presented to Austin Dwyer of Mukilteo, Washington for his oil Fiona’s World. Jim Matthew of Des Moines, Washington received the Third Place award for his acrylic, Stepping Out. The three top prize awards are $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $250 for third place. Honorable Mention and Entry of Merit awards were also announced during the opening ceremony. The four Honorable Mention recipients are: Lillian Almeida of Eugene, Oregon for Jay 1, acrylic and latex, David Castleberry of Charleston, Oregon for Light on the Pond , oil, Aaron Hatefi of Coquille, Oregon for The Pianist, oil, and Kirk Lybecker of Portland, Oregon for The Lessening Dissatisfaction of Distance, oil. Entry of Merit awards went to: Scott Berger of Driggs, Idaho, Rebecca Fogg of Emeryville, California, Virginia Gourley of Coos Bay, Oregon, and Claudia Schouten of Eugene, Oregon. Expressions West is now in its 18th year and remains one of the premier exhibitions held annually at Coos Art Museum. This year’s exhibition runs from April 18 through June 28, 2014.
