An enthusiastic and packed crowd opened the annual Members’ Showcase.

By Kara Dicker

The annual Members’ Showcase opened with a packed reception on July 18, celebrating the multimedia works by 70 members of Heartland Art Club and highlighting the gallery’s busy exhibit season. The show, one of HAC’s most popular, will run through August 15.

“I am continually inspired by the extraordinary talent of our members and grateful to everyone who helps make Heartland Art Club a welcoming place where artists can create and exhibit,” Executive Director Elizabeth (Lily) Moreland said.

Signature Member Bob Shay, an illustrator and former graphic artist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, judged the show, where nine artists were recognized. Local businesses and supporters provided monetary prizes to the top three awardees as well as the winner of the Spencer Meagher Award for Use of Light, the David Cornell Award for Composition, and the Signature Membership Award. Certificates were given to three honorable mention recipients.

Janine Helton won first place for “In the Stillness,” a large-size watercolor featuring a great blue heron. “It was a shock,” Helton said of her award. “I was absolutely stunned.” While the artist is known for her depictions of birdlife large and small, she said she’s always held a soft spot for the great blue herons she remembers from visits to Table Rock Lake. Helton, who works from her studio in St. Charles County, is a long-time member of HAC. She presented a sold-out workshop this spring.

“In the Stillness,” by Janine Helton, watercolor, first-place award.

Another watercolorist, Lee Copen, received the Signature Member Award for “Marina Magic,” a mood piece that captures the serenity of boats docked beneath a warm sky. “I was trying to capture the feeling of the big summer clouds,” she said. Rendered in a limited palette of alternating blue and raw sienna with a touch of red, the painting reflects Copen’s restrained, atmospheric approach. Copen, who lives in Ozark, Mo., said she was deeply honored to receive the award. “It really means a lot.”

“Marina Magic,” by Lee Copen, watercolor, Signature Member award.

For Director Moreland, who took the helm at HAC this year, the Members’ Showcase is a testament to the enthusiasm for local and regional representational art. “This pride is reflected in the overwhelming turnout for this year’s Members’ Show awards reception, which speaks to the strength of our artistic community,” Moreland said.

Mary Drastal (L), former Director, and Elizabeth (Lily) Moreland, current Director, welcome attendees at the Members’ Showcase.

Special congratulations to the award-winning artists:

First Place – Janine Helton, “In the Stillness,” watercolor. The $300 award was sponsored by Grafica Fine Art & Custom Framing.

Second Place – Lon Brauer, “Chicken Pot Pie,” oil. The $200 award was sponsored by Mary Drastal of The Drastal Group.

Third Place – Michelle Spencer, “Silent Waters,” oil. The $100 award was sponsored by The Art Beacon.

The Spencer Meagher Award – Karen Miller, “Poppies Petals.” The $250 award was sponsored by the family of the late Spencer Meagher.

The David Cornell Award- Terry Lay, “Dangerous Beauty,” oil. The $250 award was sponsored by the family of the late David Cornell.

The Signature Member Award – Lee Copen, “Marina Magic,” watercolor. The $300 award was sponsored by Heartland Art Club.

Honorable Mention – Sandy Haynes, “Ode to Deb,” acrylic.

Honorable Mention – Harry Starr, “Dinner for Two,” photography.

Honorable Mention – Julie Weigand, “Palette Knife Play,” oil.

“Chicken Pot Pie,” by Lon Brauer, oil, wins second place. Shawn Cornell did the honors of holding up his work!

Michelle Spencer receives her third-place award from Bob Shay for “Silent Waters,” oil. 

Karen Miller wins the Spencer Meagher Award for Use of Light for her “Poppies Petals,” oil.

Terry Lay receives the David Cornell Award for Composition for “Dangerous Beauty,” oil. Lay joined Heartland Art Club this year!

Sandy Haynes receives honorable mention for “Ode to Deb,” acrylic.

Photographer Harry Starr receives honorable mention for “Dinner for Two.”

Julie Weigand (not pictured) is awarded honorable mention for “Palette Knife Play,” oil.