Sunflowers
- July 05, 2022 - September 02, 2022
These bold, brilliant flowers literally look on the bright side as they follow the sun throughout the day. In Victorian floriography they signified gratitude, and they have been portrayed throughout the centuries so beautifully by many artists. They also represent community and our interdependence with one another and nature. As the national flower of Ukraine, it has become a symbol of solidarity and hope for peace. The artists in this show offer their unique interpretation of this optimistic flower in its varied stages. This show is presented by the Rockville Art League and sponsored by the City of Rockville Arts Division.
Several artists in the show will donate the net proceeds of the sale of their specified artwork to a vetted humanitarian charity for Ukraine. Charities include: Sunflower of Peace, United Help Ukraine and Voices of Children. An indication will be noted in the description of the individual piece.
This show is on display at Glenview Mansion (603 Edmonston Dr. Rockville) and open weekdays Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery is wheelchair accessible. Plenty of parking.
PLEASE NOTE that Glenview is CLOSED to the public on:
Friday, August 12
Friday, September 2
Monday, September 5.
We are honored to have Steve Loya award prizes of recognition and we thank him for all his work on this show. His remarks about his selections are below:
First Prize: Patrick Sieg: “Sunflowers Stand for Freedom”
While there were so many wonderful works submitted for this exhibit, it honestly wasn’t difficult to choose "Sunflowers Stand for Freedom," as I found it stood out in that it wasn’t only a beautiful painting, but it also did not shy away from the current events unfolding in our world at this very moment, and it invites the viewer to empathize with our fellow human beings who are experiencing persecution and facing atrocities imposed upon them by a fascist regime, as well as join them in remaining strong and vigilant in the face of extreme adversity. Art can beautify, make a statement, or document a particular time or place in human history. This painting does all three of these things.
Second Prize: Sandy Yagel: “Teapot and Sunflowers”
"Teapot and Sunflowers" is so masterfully painted in a medium that can take many years to get a handle on, yet there’s a simplicity about the piece that creates a sense of calm. It invites you to relax and stop and smell the (sun)flowers, and appreciate the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Third Prize: Sheila Hadley: “Put Them In Your Pockets”
I’m particularly drawn to the unique cropping and perspective of "Put Them in Your Pockets". Honoring the spirit of the Ukrainian woman who told Russian soldiers to "Take these seeds and put them in your pockets so at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here." Net proceeds from the sale of this piece will be donated to a charity supporting the people of Ukraine. My own personal interpretation is one suggestive of a wise elder speaking to a young child, in hopes that the memories or traditions from one generation to another are carried on and kept alive.
Honorable Mention 1: Cecelia M. Laurendeau: “Luminance”
Rarely do we look at the back of flowers, and the contrast between light and darkness in Laurendeau’s photograph so eloquently captures the beauty of a side of an object, in this case a sunflower, that is often ignored.
Honorable Mention 2: Lisa Sieg: “Mirror Mirror”
"Mirror Mirror" is a real feast for the eyes and such a cleverly composed photograph of the subject matter at hand. The vivid light and vibrant colors also make for an uplifting optical celebration, like a shot of visual dopamine.
Honorable Mention 3: Holly Buehler: “At Rest”
We often think of sunflowers reaching for the light under a bright summer sky, but with "At Rest", Buehler brings us an entirely different perspective and mood. The painterly style, brush strokes and rich color palette can only be described as delicious, as it gently persuades the viewer to join in, sit back, and relax.