2025 BWS Signature Member Exhibition at the Annapolis Maritime Museum

July 8 - August 18 2025

723 Second Street, Annapolis, Maryland

Juror: Barbara Nuss

www.barbaranuss.com

Award Winners

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All images are the property of the artists and protected by copyright. No image can be used without the written permission of the artist.

Comments from our juror Barbara Nuss

When I first stepped into the exhibit, I was immediately struck by the overall quality of the work. The caliber of these paintings was impressive—one of the strongest collections I’ve had the pleasure to jury. Having judged many exhibitions over the years, I could tell this one would be especially challenging. I only wish I could have given a prize to every deserving piece.

As the author of Secrets to Composition, I naturally begin my evaluation with design and structure—the very bones of a painting. Regardless of technique or subject matter, if the composition isn’t strong, the work won’t hold together. Once I’ve considered the design, I look next at the artist’s handling of shape, value, color, and draftsmanship—those subtleties that reveal skill, vision, and control of the medium.

As I walked through the gallery, a few paintings called to me again and again. These were the ones that stood apart—paintings that invited a longer look, that offered something more with each return. 

After careful deliberation, I awarded Honorable Mentions to three outstanding pieces. Two of them were abstracts that beautifully conveyed the essence and energy of water. Both “Rogue Wave” by Janice Hendra and “Bay Water Reflections” by Annette Uroskie used inventive compositions to lead the viewer deep into the painting, evoking a palpable sense of motion and wetness.

The third Honorable Mention went to “Golden Morning” by Margitta Hanff—a dockside scene rendered in cool complementary colors. Its serenity and subtle play of light made it a quiet standout.

Third Prize was awarded to the only black and white painting in the show, a haunting piece that drew me back again and again. “Fog on the Eastern Shore” by David Drown used a limited palette to powerful effect, creating a sense of mystery and atmosphere that lingered in the mind.

Second Prize went to a beautifully orchestrated composition that radiated a feeling of vastness and timelessness. In “Ships Through Time,” April Rimpo demonstrated masterful control of contrast—of shape, value, and color—resulting in a striking and memorable work.

Finally, First Prize was awarded to “Tilghman” by Karen Norman—a scene of rusty boats docked in warm light. This painting had it all: a strong design, confident handling of the watercolor medium, and a glowing sense of light and distance. It checked all the boxes and more. It was an honor to serve as juror for this exceptional show. Congratulations to all the artists whose work

Use of full range of values and delicate mark making make this painting a joy to experience.

All entries

Award Winners

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All images are the property of the artists and protected by copyright. No image can be used without the written permission of the artist.

First Place: Tilghman by Karen Norman

Second Place: Ships Through Time by April Rimpo

Third Place: Fog on the Eastern Shore by David Drown

Honorable Mentions

Bay Water Reflections by Annette Uroskie

Rogue Wave by Janice Hendra