Two Sonoma artists finalists for county awards

Julia Pozsgai and Kala Stein (both familiar names to I-T readers) make the cut.|

Two local Sonoma artists, acrylic artist Julia Pozsgai and ceramic artist Kala Stein, received word this week that they are finalists for Creative Sonoma’s “Discovered: Exceptional Visual Artists of Sonoma County” award. A division of Sonoma County’s Economic Development Board, Creative Sonoma has chosen 11 finalists for a juried exhibition program designed to advance the careers of Sonoma County artists whose work has previously not been well recognized.

The 11 finalists will receive studio visits from the jurors who will select up to six awardees to receive a $2,000 stipend. The artists’ work will be exhibited in a professionally curated show at the Petaluma Arts Center from Jan. 21 to March 19, 2017. The show opening is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21.

“Sonoma County has a wonderful abundance of visual artists who live and work our community,” said Supervisor Efren Carrillo, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “‘Discovered’ puts a spotlight on the remarkable artistic diversity and excellence that is evidenced here, across every genre and style.”

The others finalists included: Jenny Harp – mixed media; Briona Hendren – mixed media; Karen Hess – photography; Dayana Leon – oil; Chris McKee – hand made paint/tempura; Kate Oltmann – lithograph; Gregory Pagel – sculpture; Catherine Sieck – paper; Darryl Vance – oil/acrylic and Jaynee Watson – mixed media. Jurors for the show include Kate Eilertsen who is also the lead curator, Michael Schwager from Sonoma State University, and local visual artist Jessica Martin.

The Artist Awards Endowment Fund was created by more than 50 donors between 2007 and 2011 with support from the James Irvine Foundation.

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