Upcoming Event
GAL Community Show Awards
Best in Show
|
Keith Burgess
“Shadow Dance” Oil Juror Notes: This is a strong piece and well executed. The artist has skilled command of the medium, smart design choices, masterful color decisions, and he knows how to use light and shadow most effectively. The way the shadows play throughout this piece creates a powerful, exciting energy. Perhaps the most delicious feature of this piece is the complementary color used to create a focal point in a painting that has a lot going on. The warm orange of the tree against the blue of the house is just chef’s kiss and makes me want to linger in this painting longer and longer. Well done. |
1st Place
|
Karen Sturm
“Female Hummer” Watercolor Juror Notes: An oversized subject on a small canvas is an absolute win. The artist’s handling of the medium is skillful. This piece is a grabber: it has dramatic contrast in its use of black versus white; flat opaque background versus gentle, transparent paint used for the subject; lovely, cool color versus a few splashes of warmth; sharp edges versus soft. The eye highlight is the cherry-on top. It’s as if the tiny hummingbird is given a chance to say, see me—I may be small, but this artist has given me a chance to shine in a big way. An important power we hold as artists is to bring forward that which is overlooked. This painting is a strong depiction of small wonders. |
2nd Place
|
Dana Ross
“The Philosopher’s Clock” Wood Juror Notes: This is an exciting piece, full of symbolism and intrigue. The artist’s technical skills are on full display, and his design choices are creative and effective. I want to immerse myself into this mystery: a puzzle I can only hope to solve. His use of shapes, how they connect, and what collectively they might mean, makes this a strong piece. It has a Picasso-esque quality. |
3rd Place
|
Judith Landers
“View from Old Federal” Oil Juror Notes: What an elegant painting; I want to be on that island. The artist’s choice of using a low horizon makes this painting strong. It has an ethereal, peaceful feel that evokes mood and isn’t that what we, as the viewer, are hoping to find sometimes, if not often: an escape to somewhere beautiful. There is a trail of light in the water that gently leads the eye to the focal point and then there is a treat yet again as you discover the clouds and the lovely handling of paint in depicting them. The softness of the water allows the trees and clouds to be the star of the show. Above all, this painting is a gift to nature and how beauty can be found in subtle transitions that create a feeling of calm—a calm much needed in a busy, busy world. This painting is balm for the soul. |
Honorable Mentions
Charlotte Jensen
“Barn Owl Ridge” Oil Juror Notes: This little painting packs a punch! The artist’s use of complimentary color is powerful and makes effective light and shadow contrast that is unified beautifully. I see nice handling of the depiction of depth, using softer, cooler color in the background. I like the variety of shapes and the strong paint application using brush and knife work. The exaggerated color works as it is in keeping with the value structure and holds together nicely. This painting draws you in with its power. |
Susan Hill
“Gia” Acrylic Juror Notes: This is a lovely pet portrait. The artist’s placement of the subject creates good division of space. Her handling of value shifts is nice and gives the viewer a sense of the soft ease of expression. She uses a limited palette which creates good harmony. As artists we want the viewer to be drawn in, and I can’t help but want to reach in and hug Gia! |
Rachel Sisk
“Looking Ashore” Acrylic on panel Juror Notes: What a creative use of materials. The artist allows the grain of the support to create movement and subject matter. Her thin paint application makes the paint a player but not the decider. I like the creative decisions made and the willingness to challenge conventions that paintings need thick paint and support structure should be covered; this is a good example of thinking outside the box and exploring what materials will do. I love that nothing is too literal and the viewer is allowed to fill in the blanks. Her use of warm, high chroma orange against the cool blue greens is lovely. |
Meggie Dant Friend
“Held in Bloom” Acrylic on wood Juror Notes: This painting makes me smile. The artist’s use of contrast and the unexpected is refreshing. Altering the scale and proportions gives the painting a whimsical feel. Her background choice is effective as a pattern as opposed to a literal bed of flowers. The pattern supports and highlights the subject in unconventional ways. It all works! It’s a creative depiction of nature. Honorable Mention 1: Sadie Pennell “A New Book” Watercolor This artist’s work is quite distinctive. There are many ways to draw the viewer into a painting and this artist really hones in on the power of unequal parts. Her approach accomplishes many aspects of this design principle: focal point, emphasis, proportion, and imbalance. It is effective and mysterious as the viewer must step in and seek in order to understand. I especially like her book choice as the subject matter. As a whole, the painting, matting and framing create a full experience. |
Sadie Pennell
“A New Book” Watercolor This artist’s work is quite distinctive. There are many ways to draw the viewer into a painting and this artist really hones in on the power of unequal parts. Her approach accomplishes many aspects of this design principle: focal point, emphasis, proportion, and imbalance. It is effective and mysterious as the viewer must step in and seek in order to understand. I especially like her book choice as the subject matter. As a whole, the painting, matting and framing create a full experience. |
Ingrid Bolton
“Pond Irises” Oil on linen Juror Notes: This is a great example of an effective design principle: dominance and subordination or as I like to say, a lot versus a little. The artist uses a tight, low-key value range for 2/3 of the painting and then comes in bold with a high-key splash of bright green. Using unequal parts makes for a strong painting. The triangle of soft blue leads your eye into the painting in a lovely way. The coup de grace, though, is the tiny white bloom separated from all else, making its stand in the most sublime way. It’s a smart decision and gives the painting it’s completeness. |
Georgia Art League 2026 Working Calendar
The GAL’S regular meeting date/time is the third Thursday of the month from 12:00-1:30/2:00
PLEASE NOTE: Some Show related dates/times are different
All Shows have ribbons and cash awards.
PLEASE NOTE: Some Show related dates/times are different
All Shows have ribbons and cash awards.
|
September – Program – Judith Surowiec
October Members Show (Same time as Quinlan Members Show) – You can enter a piece in the Quinlan Members Show that has been previously entered in a GAL Show
|
November Program – Demo by Amanda Lovett
December – Holiday Potluck Luncheon – “Show and Tell”
|
About Georgia Art League (GAL)
The Georgia Art League The Georgia Art League (formerly the Art League) was started as a small group of like-minded artists in Gainesville, GA in the spring of 2005. After meeting several times for lunch and evening get-togethers, twelve of these interested individuals approached Maureen Files, the Executive Director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, GA, to ask her if the newly formed group of artists could start having monthly meetings and exhibits at the Quinlan. With Ms. Files’ permission and asking Anne Brodie Hill to help organize and develop the group and become the first leader/president, the Art League held its first meeting at the Quinlan in the fall of 2005. Anne used the Atlanta Artist Center mission statement, rules of exhibitions, and other formats to build the new Art League. Every idea and decision for the Art League was voted on by the members and then approved by the Quinlan’s Executive Director. Charter members of the Art League in 2005 were: Nancy Bashore, Jeann Blankenship, Bob Burrell, Ann Carson,
Ulli Chamberlain, Jeannie Crawford, Fox Gradin, Cheryl Hardin, Anne Brodie Hill, Marsha Hopkins, Marsha Richter, and Jessica Voyles.
Since its founding the group has met continuously, with membership varying between a dozen members and over one hundred. Attendance has also varied widely through the twenty-year history of the organization. Approximately ten individuals have served as president, with many others filling additional roles as officers and committee members.
The Georgia Art League (GAL) is reimagining itself to meet the demands of current times. Being an integral part of the vibrant North Georgia art scene and a relevant, exciting entity for established and emerging artists of all genres.
Monthly programs of the GAL include those on various aspects of art and media such as art marketing, proper framing techniques, portraiture, sculpting, collage, and mixed media, and many more. An Art Critique by a well-known regional artist has been well received and will continue to be offered. Some programs are presented as lectures and others as demonstrations by artists. Invited presenters, experts in their field, as well as members provide the monthly programs.
There are normally four exhibits yearly – most of them in the in the ground level Gallery of the Quinlan. Currently, participants pay a fee to exhibit. Three are Members Only and one is a Community Show, open to all, in one of the main Quinlan Galleries. An esteemed outside judge chooses the award winners for each show, and ribbons and cash awards are presented, as well as the judges’ comments. Most of the shows are held in coordination with the Quinlan exbibits and the opening receptions coincide. The group has also had exhibits at other locations such as the Hall County Library, at Brenau University, and upstairs at the Quinlan.
During summer months, the monthly meetings have taken the form of field trips. These have included travel to museums, galleries and artists’ studios in other communities from Rabun County to Cartersville to Gwinnett and Forsyth County. Field trips have also been made to the homes of members. One trip offered the opportunity to create tie-dye using natural materials.
The group also enjoys celebrations and other events throughout the year as opportunities present themselves. Most of the GAL’S exhibit openings are currently coordinated with those of the Quinlan. There is also a potluck holiday luncheon at the December meeting each year with an opportunity for those present to talk about their art.
The Art League meets monthly on the third Monday at noon at Quinlan during the school year. (Field trips away from the Quinlan are scheduled during the summer months.) Visitors are always welcome! GAL Membership Dues are $30 yearly, $10 for Students. You must be a member of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center to be a member of the GAL.
Please come and experience our programs at least once, then we invite you to join. We are growing, planning exciting programs, events and shows going forward. You can be a part of our growth!
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Georgia Art League is to nurture and support the artistic growth and development of our members by providing opportunities to increase their skills and share their understanding and knowledge of visual arts through exhibition experiences, a wide variety of educational programs, and networking with other artists.
Ulli Chamberlain, Jeannie Crawford, Fox Gradin, Cheryl Hardin, Anne Brodie Hill, Marsha Hopkins, Marsha Richter, and Jessica Voyles.
Since its founding the group has met continuously, with membership varying between a dozen members and over one hundred. Attendance has also varied widely through the twenty-year history of the organization. Approximately ten individuals have served as president, with many others filling additional roles as officers and committee members.
The Georgia Art League (GAL) is reimagining itself to meet the demands of current times. Being an integral part of the vibrant North Georgia art scene and a relevant, exciting entity for established and emerging artists of all genres.
Monthly programs of the GAL include those on various aspects of art and media such as art marketing, proper framing techniques, portraiture, sculpting, collage, and mixed media, and many more. An Art Critique by a well-known regional artist has been well received and will continue to be offered. Some programs are presented as lectures and others as demonstrations by artists. Invited presenters, experts in their field, as well as members provide the monthly programs.
There are normally four exhibits yearly – most of them in the in the ground level Gallery of the Quinlan. Currently, participants pay a fee to exhibit. Three are Members Only and one is a Community Show, open to all, in one of the main Quinlan Galleries. An esteemed outside judge chooses the award winners for each show, and ribbons and cash awards are presented, as well as the judges’ comments. Most of the shows are held in coordination with the Quinlan exbibits and the opening receptions coincide. The group has also had exhibits at other locations such as the Hall County Library, at Brenau University, and upstairs at the Quinlan.
During summer months, the monthly meetings have taken the form of field trips. These have included travel to museums, galleries and artists’ studios in other communities from Rabun County to Cartersville to Gwinnett and Forsyth County. Field trips have also been made to the homes of members. One trip offered the opportunity to create tie-dye using natural materials.
The group also enjoys celebrations and other events throughout the year as opportunities present themselves. Most of the GAL’S exhibit openings are currently coordinated with those of the Quinlan. There is also a potluck holiday luncheon at the December meeting each year with an opportunity for those present to talk about their art.
The Art League meets monthly on the third Monday at noon at Quinlan during the school year. (Field trips away from the Quinlan are scheduled during the summer months.) Visitors are always welcome! GAL Membership Dues are $30 yearly, $10 for Students. You must be a member of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center to be a member of the GAL.
Please come and experience our programs at least once, then we invite you to join. We are growing, planning exciting programs, events and shows going forward. You can be a part of our growth!
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Georgia Art League is to nurture and support the artistic growth and development of our members by providing opportunities to increase their skills and share their understanding and knowledge of visual arts through exhibition experiences, a wide variety of educational programs, and networking with other artists.