I AM WOMAN May 9, 2015

Southern Arts Society, Inc.

On Saturday evening May 9, awards were presented at a public reception for I am Woman at
Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain, NC. This annual competition and exhibit is dedicated to
womanhood or the essence of being a woman. Over 60 works of art were entered in this years competition
by artists from around the region. Judging the artwork was Sharon Dowell a painter, public art
commissioned artist, and Rowe Galleries Coordinator and Adjunct Professor at UNC Charlotte. She is
currently a Masters in Arts Administration candidate at Winthrop University and earned a BFA from UNC
Charlotte in 2002. Ms. Dowell selected first, second and third place prizes along with three merit awards.
First Place went to Todd Baxter for his oil portrait Luci. Ms. Dowell commented on the painting I
enjoy the sensitive and visible brush strokes in this portrait. There is something nice about a work of art that
makes you stop and draws you in, which is what this piece did. The painting feels intuitive rather than
contrived due to the way this woman is wearing simple, everyday clothes with her hair pushed back, almost
as an afterthought. Her beauty shines through.

Second Place went to Alex Pietersen

for his photograph Emerging

Third Place went to Stacey Pilkington-Smith

for her mixed media illustration Jala

Special recognition went to three artists selected for Merit Awards: Liz McKay for her assemblage The
Three Aspects: Maid, Mother, Crone; to Lynn Schilling for her watercolor portrait Marianne; and to Sara
Dame Setzer for her oil painting Kaitlyn Reading (2).
The "I AM WOMAN" art exhibit will be in the galleries of Southern Arts Society through June 20.
Southern Arts Society (at the Depot), 301 N. Piedmont Avenue in Kings Mountain, NC. Also Southern
Arts Society Members Gift Shop featuring fine art, ceramics, wood work, jewelry and wearable art. Ongoing
- Offering art & pottery classes and ongoing art exhibits by local and regional artists. Gallery hours are
Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. For more information call 704-739-5585.

Merit Award: Liz McKay

For her assemblage
The Three Aspects: Maid, Mother, Crone

Merit Award: Lynn Schilling

for her watercolor portrait Marianne

Merit Award: Sara Dame Setzer

for her oil painting Kaitlyn Reading (2)