(1) 2026 GLPS Members' Online Show

GLPS 2026 MEMBERS’ ONLINE SHOW

July 12 - September 12, 2026

 

LINK TO THE GLPS 2026 MEMBERS' ONLINE SHOW

 

 

MEET OUR JUROR/JUDGE OF AWARDS:

 

Laura Pollak, PSA, PSWC, PSNC, SPS, IAPS-MC, Women Artists of the West (Associate Member)

https://www.laurapollak.com/

Laura Pollak is an award-winning artist exhibiting in international shows, museums and galleries worldwide. She was born in Detroit Michigan and has always had an affinity for all forms of art, studying ballet, and piano. She received her Master of Arts from Michigan State University and post graduate work at the Center for Creative Studies. Courses included painting and graphic design. Painting became her main career 15 years ago and she is now a full-time professional artist.

Laura has had 7 solo exhibits and has won several notable awards. She won the top Abstract award in the international Bold Brush competition sponsored by Fine Art Studios Online, First Place in the Contemporary and Experimental category in the PSWC international show, First Place in PSNC’s statewide exhibit, and the top Abstract award at the LCPS’s international exhibit. She is a Signature member of PSA and a Master Circle artist with IAPS. Laura’s work has been published in Strokes of Genius-the Best of Drawing, Pastel Journal magazine, and Pratique Des Artes in France. Laura has been featured on Art School Live, as part of the faculty of IAPS, Pastel Live, and PACE.

 

Laura's Statement as Juror of Selection and Judge of Awards

Painting is a difficult task.   For some it comes naturally and easily.  Personally, I have to work at it.  I have to work VERY HARD. But even harder than painting quietly in my studio is to jury and JUDGE the works of others! The soulful and deeply emotional energy that artists imbue into their works is a very personal journey.  For me to enter that space is a true privilege. And even more difficult for me is to say one person’s creative expression is better than someone else’s. True, sometimes an artist is further ahead in their artistic journey than another, with more hours at the easel. Their skill becomes readily apparent. Other times, a fresh and simple expression outshines even the masters.

As with all shows I jury and judge, I spend a LOT of time looking at the beautiful entries. It takes great courage to put yourself out there. So that you can glean some information from my jurying and judging process, I’d like to share with you some of the criteria used to jury and then judge. First, I quickly go through the entire show to allow my immediate reactions to sink in. Then with great care and quite a bit of time allotted, I will review each piece.

Here’s what I look for: 

An emotional response.   Did it draw me in?  Did it evoke some type of emotion?   Did I need to look more than once because it pulled me back with a unique subject matter and perspective?

Design. In a former life, I was a graphic designer and owned an ad agency. Good design comprises the strong and successful ‘bones’ of every good painting.

Values.  Did the artist skillfully use values to tell the story?

Color.  Personally, I am drawn to vibrant colors but I so admire subtlety of color and value. So, my choices do not necessarily reflect the way I personally paint.

Skill.  Handling of the medium. Clean passages of color, good drawing skills, unified painting, and a deft execution of line, shape, form and especially scale, to create interest.

 

In conclusion, everyone who entered the show deserves kudos. Again, it takes courage and you must keep trying.  If you did not win an award, it’s only because there simply were not enough to hand out.   For those of you who did win an award… BRAVO!  Your work is exceptional. 

It is a great honor to be invited to this inner view of your lovely works and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity!

Laura Pollak PSA, PSWC, PSNC, SPS, IAPS MC

 

LINK TO THE GLPS 2026 MEMBERS’ ONLINE SHOW:

https://showsubmit.com/gallery/glps-2026-online-members-exhibition

 

LINK TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE ATTAINED SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP STATUS THIS YEAR:

https://appolo.fineartstudioonline.com/faso/pages/36245/edit

 

Laura’s insightful comments on each individual Award Winner’s piece:

 

1. Cherries Galore, by Louise Pond

Gold Award - $750

When I first saw this, I simply could not look away. I kept coming back to this painting. It is so intriguing. I was not sure what I was seeing. Is this a water bubble, is it an ice droplet? The visual delight is mesmerizing. Bravo on this beautiful painting!

2. In My Rose Colored Glasses, by Barbara Gentner Stephenson

Silver Award - $500

This is sooo full of energy. I love the palette and the expression, body language and pure JOY. The angles and design all make for the perfect piece!

3. Wartz, by Suzanne Frederick

Bronze Award - $300

OK! I just had to laugh. This absolutely tickles me. The mood and attitude are just perfect. The texture is wonderful and ensures that our sweet little toad is the star of this show.

4. After the Storm, by Helen Kleczynski

Merit Award - $200

There is so much ‘right’ about this piece. First of all, the capturing of light, the fresh clear light after a storm. The design and rendering of the chains and buoy are spot on. The use of color is just gorgeous and the broken color adds so much depth. A great painting.

5. Tate and Delilah, by Laurel Kuehl

Merit Award - $200

Nap time. Yes, composition, texture, design, are all so spot on. I can feel the paw of our sleeping friend as it leisurely hangs over the edge while the black cat makes sure I don’t intrude or disturb. Impeccably rendered with clear and advanced skills.

6. Flora, by Dana Donnell

Honorable Mention - $100

This painting feels very much from a different era. It has the energy of an old master with a lovely palette and fresh loose strokes. Wonderfully done!

7. Going Places, by Barbara Wise

Honorable Mention - $100

There’s an impishness about this portrait that is so engaging. I love this girl’s spirit and joy. Full of energy and adventure. Delightful.

8. Golden, by Fran Seikaly

Sennelier Paris Collection Pastels - $245

Again, the unique format caught my eye. It almost feels like a lively conversation among friends at a long dining table. All are engaged in their own party while the distance is much quieter. Very happy!

9. Moon Night, by Vianna Szabo

Terry Ludwig Pastels Award - $200 certificate

The subtle variations of this piece show clear mastery of the medium. This limited palette conveys a depth of field and serenity that is tough to achieve. Beautiful!

10. Crescent Sail Yacht Club, by Linda Pelowski

Sennelier Pastels & Pencils - $190

The expert handling of the water and the incredibly difficult perspective of the boats shows that the artist can really manage the pastels with ease and elegance.­

11. White Barn in Huron County, by Richard Franz

Earthberry Pastel Award - $159 certificate

The simplicity of this painting caught my eye. The clean shapes, the complimentary colors, the shadows and the light are all wonderfully captured.

12. One Shining Moment by Judith Ann Johnson

Dakota Pastels Award - $150 certificate

I love the drama of this piece. The dark background and the light shining in from the left are so beautifully done. What tickles me is the blue reflection on the table in the shadow that shows through the glass vase. So well done.

13. Endless Bales, by Ruth Matthews

Dakota Pastels - $150 certificate

I have to say, the unique and dynamic format caught my eye. The rhythm and balance of the bales and lush trees and wonderful sky tell a beautiful story.

14. Gentlemen Fishermen by Teri Utz Bersée

Sennelier Pastels/ Caran d’Ache Pencils - $140

I hear the lapping of the water against the boat and I notice the unsteadiness of one fisherman, catching his balance. The quiet of the moment. Great composition and great use of colors and strokes. So well done.

15. Elegance in Pink, by Marilyn Witt

UART Award - $111 certificate

The colors are perfect with the freshness of Spring conveying the rebirth and beauty of the season.

16. Flash Point, by Shirley Hoagland

Blick Art Materials - $100 certificate

This lovely abstracted landscape gives me just enough information to tell the story. Beautiful use of colors and rich compliments keep drawing me in.

17. Timeless Beauty, by Mary Ann Pals

Blick Art Materials Award - $100 certificate

This red head and I had an immediate connection, other than having red hair. We had a quiet conversation. Impeccably painted, this gal and I were in a staring contest and I think she won. So beautifully done!

18. Florida Flight Series V - Let’s Talk, by Mary Hertler Tallman

Ampersand Award - $100 certificate

The first time I saw this piece I loved the color palette, especially the hot pink and red showing through from the underpainting. It gives the piece a glow and warmth that enhances it. The composition and design along with the deft rendering of this elegant bird make it a standout.

19. The Door is Always Open, by Joyce Harlukowicz

PastelMat Award - $75 certificate

The quiet elegance of this piece struck me right away. I’m an avid cyclist and we often encounter these types of country homes on our rides. The design, balance and color all struck me as a beautiful piece worthy of an award.

WE ARE PROUD OF THIS GREAT SHOW, MADE POSSIBLE, IN PART, BY OUR GENEROUS MERCHANDISE SPONSORS

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!