Artists Recognized For Exceptional Works At Phillips' Mill Show

NEW HOPE, PA – More than 400 patrons and accepted artists attended the opening reception for the 97th Phillips' Mill Juried Art Show on Sept. 25.

The historic gristmill, with autumn mums, twinkling lights, and beautiful chamber music by New Hope-Solebury High School students Zachary Peckman and Tina Ramberg-Michael, combined to create the perfect setting to celebrate the arts.

The most prestigious show in the area, the annual Phillips’ Mill exhibition showcases the vibrant artistic community of Bucks County and the River Towns region, which submitted over 600 works of art for jurying this year.

Twenty-one artists were recognized for exceptional work, including awards for a watercolor, an interior scene, a still life, an abstract, an award to a first-time exhibitor, and four awards presented to sculptors. A new award this year, a People’s Choice award given by Kim Rainey and Scott Nichols, will be revealed at the close of the show after visitors’ votes are tallied.

Among the awards are the top Patrons’ Awards, each with a $1000 prize. The Patrons’ Award for Painting was presented to Robin Crowley of Doylestown for “Ramon”; the Patrons’ Award for Drawing, Pastel or Printmaking went to Cassaundra Flor of Sellersville for “Impermanence”; and the Patrons’ Award for Sculpture was won by J. Marion Simmons of Plainsboro, N.J., for “Symbiosis.”

Robin Crowley of Doylestown won the Patrons’ Award for Painting for her work entitled “Ramon."

“Highland Waterfall” by Shutian Cao of Doylestown won an award recognizing American diversity in honor of William Novak and Norman MacArthur, given by David Hewitt.

A new award this year recognizing American diversity in honor
of William Novak and Norman MacArthur and given by David Hewitt went to Shutian Cao of Doylestown for “Highland Waterfall."

With a nod to the Mill’s past, two awards for works in the style of Pennsylvania Impressionism were presented, one for a landscape given by Laura and Ed McDonnell that went to John Kane of Erwinna for “Meadow Brook” and another given by Kathy and Ted Fernberger for any subject in that style was awarded to Dot Bunn of Doylestown for “The Red Aqueduct.”

A complete list of awards can be found on the Mill’s website at phillipsmill.org. Follow the link there to view the online gallery, available 24/7, to view all the images. Online sales are open when the Mill gallery is closed.

"Meadow Brook" by John Kane of Erwinna won an award for a Landscape in the Style of the Pennsylvania Impressionists given by Laura and Ed McDonnel.

Also featured at the reception was the show’s Honored Artist, Jennifer Hansen Rolli of Newtown, who spoke of growing up in Yardley, painting with her father on weekends, submitting to the juried show for the first time (and not having her work accepted), and the dream of someday being recognized for this honor.

John Kane of Erwinna was recognized as this year’s Signature Image competition winner, a process that happens annually to find an image for the promotion of each year’s show.

A special remembrance of Mill community members and artists who’ve passed away during the last year included reflections on the careers, character, and devotion to the Mill of Philip Rothenberg, longtime member of the Mill Photo committee, Bill Jersey, Anthony Kulish, Joanne Donnelly Seglem, an active member of the juried art show committee, Al Gury, who served as a juror for the 94 th Juried Art Show, and William “Bill” Novak, loyal supporter of the Mill and the region’s artists for decades, a former Mill board member, juried art show committee treasurer and chair. It was a solemn but bright moment recalling people who’ve made the Mill the special place it is.

Throughout the run of the show, visitors can meet many exhibiting artists who will be at the Mill daily to greet guests, discuss their work, and answer questions about their process. Check the “Meet the Artists” schedule on the Mill’s website for the most up-to-date schedule and to learn when your favorite artists will be in attendance.

Nestled on River Road just north of New Hope, the historic Phillips’ Mill is open daily 1 to 5 p.m. through November 1, and is the perfect destination for art-loving leaf peepers this autumn season. Admission is $6 for adults; free for children under 18, Phillips’ Mill members and exhibiting artists. A new “Pay What You Wish” option is available on Mondays.

Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope. For information, call 215-862-0582 or visit phillipsmill.org.

Cassaundra Flor's "Impermanence" won a Patrons' Award for Drawing, Pastel or Printmaking.