Clatsop Community College
Art Center Gallery
1653 Jerome Avenue
Astoria, OR 97103
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Teri Sund or Kristin Shauck (503) 338-2478

Award Winners of Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century an International Juried Exhibition

Currently on exhibit at Clatsop Community College’s Art Center Gallery through April 27, is “Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century.” As the first international juried exhibition to be held at a community college in Oregon, this historically significant collection of paintings, drawings and print work has attracted artists from around the world, with the promise of cash awards as well as opportunities for later solo exhibitions.

Clatsop Community College’s art department has incorporated the human form into its curriculum since the 1970s. Roy Garrison who founded the art department in 1969 and retired in 2006, states; “the nude figure has been important in art since early Greek civilization, the Greeks understood that if you can draw, paint or sculpt the human form, you can do anything.” For Garrison, this is “one of the most important exhibitions the college has ever held.” He is thankful to see the insurgence and renewed interest in the human form as a foundation of art.

Audience at the Artists Reception, April 3 2007

Royal Nebeker, former chairman of CCC’s art department as well as internationally acclaimed artist, served as juror to the exhibition. Nebeker selected a collection of over 70 paintings, drawings and prints from more then 300 submitted. Regarding his selections, Nebeker states, “I looked for vision that is not so much innovative as independent of traditional or academic expectations. I was interested in content and looked for some form of spiritual impact. In collecting and juxtaposing these particular images, I sought a sense of shared humanity.”

Juror Royal Nebeker addresses the audience at the Artists Reception.

The tradition of the human form utilized as a teaching tool at CCC continues with instructor Kristin Shauck. Shauck who teaches painting, design and drawing courses states “The nude and figure work we do here really forms an important part of our curriculum. The figure is such a powerful image that we relate to as human beings. Its such a complex form, it teaches us the observational skills that become a tool for us, as artists, no matter what the subject matter is.”

The artists’ reception, held April 3 attracted some 200 guests. In attendance were 18 of the participating artists, including Torill Johnsen who came as far away as Denmark. Kristin Shauck and Royal Nebeker announced the award winners during the reception. First Place was awarded to Elaine Green of Moscow, Idaho; John Stahl of Tillamook, Oregon and Roland Delcol of Belgium shared Second Place; Third Place went to Michael Reedy of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Purchase awards were awarded to Kenju Urakubo of Jackson Heights, New York; Michael Reedy of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Nicholas Knapton of Astoria, Oregon. Juror’s Commendations were awarded to Jeff Cancelosi of Northville, Michigan; Tony Gardner of Seaside, Oregon; Nicholas Knapton of Astoria, Oregon; Joseph Miller of Buffalo, New York; Victoria Goro-Rapoport of Kearney, North Carolina and Noel Thomas of Astoria, Oregon.

Artists at the opening reception.

In regards to the exhibition, Juror and instructor Royal Nebeker states, “This is a particularly significant accomplishment when one realizes the relatively remote geographic area served by the facility. Bringing this quality of artwork to the campus will be educational and greatly enjoyed by the student body and local community. It is an example of the vision and leadership the art faculty constantly provides for our region.”

The Clatsop Community College Art Center Gallery is located at 1653 Jerome Avenue in Astoria. “Au Naturel: The Nude in The 21st Century An International Juried Exhibition” will be on exhibit through April 27. For more information please contact Teri Sund or Kristin Shauck at (503) 338-2478.

Images of award-winning work:

First Place: Elaine Green, “Pharaonic Couple”

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Second Place (Shared) Roland Delcol, “Untitled”

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Third Place and Purchase Award, Michael Reedy, “The First Time We Met”

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Second Place: John Stahl, “Shamans Wives”