(NOTE: The Fishers Arts Council sent a corrected news release, and the story has been re-written to reflect the changes)
On Friday evening, September 13, 2024, the Fishers Municipal Center came alive with creativity as the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) hosted its fifth annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists awards ceremony. The event, which took place in the center’s bright, open gallery, honored local artists whose work continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Hamilton County and its surrounding areas.
For the fifth consecutive year, Jiffy Lube of Indiana stood as the title sponsor of the art competition. CEO Steve Sanner was on hand to welcome both artists and guests, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts in the community.
This year marked a new partnership with Noblesville Creates, which took on the role of People’s Choice award sponsor. Executive Director Ailithir McGill presented the coveted award, adding a fresh layer of community involvement to the event.
A notable change in this year’s competition was the extension of the boundary for participating artists. For the first time, artists residing within a mile beyond the Hamilton County line, but who consider the county their home, were eligible to participate. This change brought a diverse range of talent into the spotlight, reflecting the broader community’s artistic spirit.
The top honor, “Best in Show,” was awarded to Carmel resident Jerry Mannell for his evocative painting titled “Harbinger.” Mannell received a $1,000 prize, along with the promise of a solo exhibit in 2025. Judge Dan Annarino praised the piece for its depth and dynamic composition, stating, “Anyone looking at this painting for the first time needs to think about it. ‘What’s it all about?’ Might the viewer see a bird—a Cardinal, perhaps—and a mailbox? There are so many ways to look at this painting because it has so much depth. The subtle colors work well. The composition/balance is very good because the painting itself is so active. There is lots of movement in this kinetic presentation.”
Other top awards included:
- Best Landscape: Karissa Rumsey of Fishers for “Pemaquid Lighthouse,” sponsored by Wasson Nursery.
- Best Floral/Other: Casey Williams of McCordsville for “Garden Goddess.”
- Best Portrait/Figurative: Deborah Smith of Noblesville for her oil painting “A Midsummer Day’s Dream.”
- Best Abstract: Caroline Hays of Noblesville for “Nature’s Layers,” a mixed media piece.
Each of these category winners received $600 in recognition of their outstanding work.
Two merit awards were also presented. These honors went to Brinton Farrand of Cicero and Craig Mullins of Indianapolis, highlighting the depth of talent present at the exhibit.
The Noblesville Creates People’s Choice award, determined by both online and in-person voting, was awarded to Fishers resident Stephanie Carignan for her impasto work “Weathered & Woven Grassland.” Carignan’s piece garnered the most votes overall, earning her a $250 cash prize.
All award-winning works, along with nearly all other pieces on display, are available for purchase through September 28, offering art lovers a chance to bring a piece of local talent into their homes.
The Fishers Arts Council invites all residents of Hamilton County and beyond to visit the Art Gallery at City Hall in the Fishers Municipal Center, located at 1 Municipal Drive. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a special viewing opportunity on September 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Additionally, the juried exhibit can be viewed online through the Fishers Arts Council’s Facebook page at this link.
