Winner - "Best of Show"
18th Annual Juried Spring Art Show
Click, here to see the painting.
Click, here to see my other art awards.
Standing in front of his best of show painting "Bettencourt's Rocket Gas Station",
artist Mark Peterson talks with Turlock gallery owner Henry Ploechinger during
Sunday afternoon's awards presentation at the 18th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale
at the Carnegie Arts Center. Peterson finds inspiration for his photo realistic paintings
in landmarks of a rapidly disappearing era, hoping to preserve them on canvas, should
they fall victim to the wheel of progress.
Article transcribed:
A nostalgic vision of simpler times took top honors at the Turlock City Art Commission's
18th Annual Spring Juried Art Show and Sale. Of the 167 entries submitted for judging this
year, 85 pieces now adorn the walls and pedestals of the Carnegie Arts Center, representing
artists from throughout the Central Valley, the Mother Lode and Bay Area. The show opens
today from 1 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m., the public is invited to join the artists
and judges at the Carnegie's second floor gallery for the exhibits opening reception and
awards presentation. Mark Peterson's painting, "Bettencourt's Rocket Gas Station," was
awarded "Best of Show" this year. The realistic painting depicts a two-pump gas station of
the 1970's, judging from the long, green station wagon parked beside the little white market.
Set against partly cloudy blue skies and tall palm trees in a breeze, the small station hearkens
back to a smaller America when gas, newspapers and cigarettes could all be bought from a
neighbor down the street. Below the red, white and blue Pepsi sign, "Bettencourt"s Market"
appears in flowing red script. "I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of work we had to
choose from," said juror Sophie Isajiw, gallery director for California State University,
Stanislaus. Judging blindly, Isajiw said Peterson's piece was unanimously selected by all
three judges as Best of Show. While she didn't know who had won, Isajiw knew what she
liked about the piece. "I liked the movement in the palm trees," she said. "And I liked the fact
that even though this is a well known style of painting, it was handled really well and reflects
the changing landscape of this area." Peterson will receive a $300 award from Rex Klein
Insurance for his colorful entry, but may take home even more if the piece sells