HALLOWELL — The Harlow Gallery has announced its award-winning artists for Art2017, the 22nd annual juried art show on view at the Harlow Gallery , 160 Water St., through June 24.

This year’s juror is Corey Daniels, curator and owner of the Corey Daniels Gallery in Wells.

The following prizes were awarded at the May 12 opening reception:

Best in Show and a $500 cash prize sponsored by The Marketplace at Augusta was awarded to Harrison Walker, of Rockport, for his mixed media series “Portals.” Daniels wrote, “Harrison Walker’s work is absolutely stunning, from the simplicity of the composition to the depth of the different surfaces Walker manages to coax out of experimental photographic processes. Encountering this series is one of the single-most exciting artistic finds in recent memory,” according to the release.

Second Place, with a $250 cash prize sponsored by McKee Law was awarded to Nancy Bixler, of Hallowell, for her graphite mixed media piece “Invisible Cities II.” Daniels stated, “Nancy Bixler’s muted tones and subtle surfaces invite slow, quiet observation. There is an industrial feel to this work, as well as the sense of accomplished and thoughtful restraint,” according to the release.

Juror’s Choice Prize, and a $200 cash prize sponsored by the Maine Film Center was awarded to Oliver Solmitz, of Bethel, for his untitled sculpture in welded steel and paint. Daniels describes Oliver Solmitz’s steel work as, “… an accomplished geometric piece. Not enough artists in Maine are working in steel on any scale. The surfaces and intersections within this work are spot on,” according to the release.

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Third Place, with a $100 cash prize sponsored by M.J. Bouton Contracting went to Andrew Elijah Edwards, of Topsham, for his untitled video. Daniels wrote that, “Andrew Elijah Edwards’ video piece brings a hypnotic kind of calm to the space. The slowing of time is cathartic and the silence oddly comforting,” according to the release.

The following artists were awarded honorable mentions:

Michele Caron, of Buxton, for her pieces “Take Flight” and “Hold Open,” which are acrylic, ink and gesso on panel. Daniels wrote, “Michele Caron’s submissions are expertly executed geometric works. Her surfaces and palette are impeccable,” according to the release.

Lisa Evans, of Portland, for her ceramic piece “Ancient Script I.” Daniels stated, “Lisa Evans’ submission is a beautiful little object. It has Japanese influence, a gorgeous glaze, and is quite simply well-potted,” according to the release.

Abe Goodale, of Camden, for his watercolors “Fishing Fog” and “The Islander.” Daniels wrote that, “Abe Goodale’s watercolors offer a compelling interplay of careful rendering and simply allowing the paint to flow into abstraction. The use of light in these pieces is particularly striking and each work is incredibly well done,” according to the release.

Liza Stratton, of South Portland, for her sculpture “Freedom,” created out of packing tape, fabric stiffener, wooden dowel and an American flag. Daniels stated, “Liza Stratton’s work is decidedly of this moment, emblematic of a time when it is increasingly difficult to fathom the political climate in which we find ourselves. Her craftsmanship is equally impressive,” according to the release.

During the exhibition at the Harlow Gallery, visitors are asked to help determine the winners of the People’s Choice Award, which comes with a $100 cash prize sponsored by The Animal Wellness Center, of Augusta, to be awarded by popular vote at the end of the exhibition. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Exhibitions at the Harlow Gallery are underwritten by its Patron of the Arts sponsor Camden National Bank, and by its season sponsors Capitol Dental Care, Eaton Peabody Attorneys at Law, Kennebec Savings Bank, Scrummy Afters Candy Shoppe, Slates Restaurant and the City of Hallowell.


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