ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (July 23, 2024)– One of the oldest art associations in the nation, the St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA) is celebrating its centennial in grand fashion with events and shows throughout the year. History Through the Lens of the Artist challenged artists to observe their surroundings and tell a story of the development and evolution of the culture and people of a community from its inception until today. The exhibit announced the show’s award winners at a grand opening reception at the St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine, on July 18th. The exhibit continues through August 25th.

“Each community has its own story to tell,” says Jennifer Flynt, Executive Director of STAAA. “Because there are artists participating from all over the country, we get to see such a variety of communities, history, cultural footprints, the events and landmarks represented in this exhibit. ”

History Through the Lens of the Artist is a national juried show in which professionals and amateur artists entered works in two categories: photography and other mediums, including drawing and painting, printmaking, mixed media and collage, fiber, sculpture, pottery, and ceramics. Artists utilized subjects ranging from architecture and landscape to people, events, landmarks, social issues, and more. The following awards winners were announced at the opening reception on July 18th:

Photo courtesy of Alise Sheppard

Photography
$2,500 Best of Show 100th Anniversary Alice & Clark Alger Award: Christopher Casler “Abolitionist Sojourner Truth”
$1,000 First Place Award: Karen Sirnick “Uncivil”
$750 Second Place Award: Daniel Ashe “Abandoned”
$500 Third Place Award: Olivia Castillo “St. Peter’s Basilica”
$150 Honorable Mention: Tina Henle “Three Women”
$150 Honorable Mention: David Wholey “Evolution in Building Design as a Symbol of a City’s 21st Century Transition”

Photo courtesy of Alise Sheppard

Other Mediums
$2,500 Best of Show 100th Anniversary Alice & Clark Alger Award: Deborah Bird “Arms of Experience”
$1,000 First Place Award: Teri Tompkins “Queen of Soul”
$750 Second Place Award: Gerald Branch “Deeper Attributes”
$500 Third Place Award: Olga Viotti “Four Seasons Winter 2020”
$150 Honorable Mention: Alexander Ottich “Flagler College”
$150 Honorable Mention: John Darovitz “Bridge of Lions”

The History Through the Lens of the Artist exhibit is sponsored in part by iTrip, Alice & Clark Alger, The Benjamin and Jean Troemel Arts Foundation, and grants from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Photos to accompany press release can be found here.

ABOUT ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION – The St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA), located at 22 Marine Street in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting excellence in the arts since 1924. STAAA supports the vibrant arts community in St. Augustine and preserves its rich artistic heritage and culture. Through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, educational programs, and outreach, STAAA fosters a creative and accessible environment for artists of all backgrounds and skill levels. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, and admission is free. For more information, visit www.staaa.org, and follow along on Facebook @StAugArtAssoc and Instagram @staugartassoc

Images: Alise Sheppard