First Place

The Dancer
woodwork

by George Wurtzel, an independent artist from Greeneville, TN, for “The Dancer”

First Place in the Sculpture Category is George Wurtzel, an independent artist from Greeneville, TN, for “The Dancer.” This dazzling wood sculpture measures 22 by 16 by 12 inches, carved from a single piece of rich, dark wood with natural textures and grain. The sculpture resembles an abstract, flowing figure, evoking the graceful movement of a dancer in motion. The organic shapes curve and twist, creating an open, airy structure with hollowed sections, including a large, rounded opening near the top that suggests an arm raised in motion or a body in mid-turn. The natural wood has been smoothed, silky if one were to run their hands along it, and polished in some areas, while leaving rougher, textured sections that enhance the piece’s earthy and organic feel. The base of the sculpture is rooted in a thicker, sturdy piece of wood with bark still intact, grounding the fluid motion of the form above. The entire piece is dynamic and evokes a sense of fluidity, energy, and connection to nature, with the wood’s natural patterns and knots adding unique character to the figure. The flowing, twisting lines and the open spaces within the sculpture give it an ethereal quality, making it look as though it is caught in a moment of graceful dance.

Second Place

Tuxedo Rose
mosaic

by Roshunda Holt, an adult artist from Envision Inc., in Witchita, KS, for “Tuxedo Rose”

Second Place in the Sculpture is Roshunda Holt, an adult artist from Envision Inc. in Wichita, KS, for “Tuxedo Rose.” Measuring 14 by 11 by 1 inch, Tuxedo Rose is a mosaic piece featuring a black-and-white tuxedo cat lying comfortably against a background of roses. The mosaic style creates a fragmented yet cohesive image, with each shape and color forming a part of the larger design. The kitty is central to the composition, depicted in black mosaic tiles with white accents, which outline its chest, paws, and face. The tuxedo pattern gives the cat a distinguished appearance, emphasized by a red bow around its neck. The cat’s large green eyes stand out vividly, made from glossy, reflective tiles that catch the light and bring a sense of life to the animal. The cat is depicted reclining, with its body stretched out and its tail curling around in a relaxed posture. Behind the cat, two large red roses, also rendered in mosaic form, sit on either side of the composition. The roses are made of deep red tiles with green leaves, creating a bold contrast against the neutral, cream-colored background. The background itself is made up of small, irregularly shaped tiles in pale tones, giving the entire piece a textured and dynamic feel while keeping the focus on the cat and the roses. The overall effect of Tuxedo Rose is charming and playful, combining the elegance of the cat with the beauty of the roses in a way that feels whimsical and joyful. The mosaic technique adds texture and depth, making this artwork a captivating piece.

Third Place

Cascade
ceramic

by Erica Johnson, an adult artist with Envision, Inc. in Wichita, KS, for “Cascade”

Third Place, Tie, in the Sculpture Category is Erica Johnson, an adult artist from Envision Inc. in Wichita, KS, for “Cascade.” This rippling, bowl shaped sculpture measures 18 by 14 by 4 inches, a captivating ceramic piece that features an organic, undulating form that mimics the fluid motion of water. The artwork showcases a wide, shallow bowl shape with edges that curl and fold like gentle waves lapping at the shore. The transparency and coloration of the glass enhance the aquatic illusion. The predominant color scheme is a deep, oceanic blue, textured with intricate patterns that resemble water currents and eddies. These patterns are highlighted by swirls of lighter blue and white, which add a sense of depth and movement to the piece. Scattered throughout the blue are specks and patches of vibrant orange and yellow, suggesting reflections of sunlight on water or perhaps colorful marine life beneath the surface. The surface of the ceramic is highly polished, giving it a glossy finish that reflects light beautifully, enhancing the dynamic, fluid aesthetic of the sculpture. The craftsmanship is evident in the smooth transitions of color and the precision of the wave-like edges, making Cascade a tactile, striking piece that vividly evokes the serenity and power of moving water.

Visioneer Award

Cat Detour
tunnel book

by Amber DiGerlando, an independent artist from Alfred, NY, for “Cat Detour”

Visioneer Award in the Sculpture Category is Amber DiGerlando, an independent artist from Alfred, NY, for “Cat Detour.” Cat Detour measures 9 by 7 ½ by 2 ½ inches, and when extended, resembles an accordion. For those unfamiliar, this is a Tunnel Book! Tunnel books date all the way back to the mid-18th century, inspired by theatrical stage sets. This sculpture features a playful and artistic exploration of cats, blending whimsical illustrations and tactile elements. Since the book is constructed in a layered accordion format, it creates depth, allowing the viewer to peer through openings to view the imagery on subsequent pages. The front cover, when pulled away, opens to a circular window surrounded by intricate drawings of cats in various poses, interacting with each other and their environment. The color scheme primarily uses yellow tones, complemented by black-and-white illustrations with splashes of color, like the bright lettering spelling “CAT” and a cartoonish kitten draped in a yellow cloth. In addition to the high contrast text, this tunnel book features braille, enhancing the accessibility of the book. Each layer contains images of cats, their habits, and folklore — such as text referencing the belief in the Middle Ages that cats were pesky demons who assisted witches. Playful and educational captions appear throughout, such as “Some cats purr, while other cats roar,” adding to the layered storytelling. The mixture of artistic cat illustrations, tactile elements, braille, and bright colors makes Cat Detour a visually and texturally engaging work, a celebration of cats’ curious nature.