Loriann Signori

Loriann Signori is an award-winning Maryland artist and instructor who works in oil and pastel. She “paints luminosity,” and is known for dreamlike landscapes that reside in a place between abstraction and recognizable form. A Master Circle member of International Pastel Society of America and Signature member of Pastel Society of America, Loriann’s work can be seen in national and solo shows, and is represented in several galleries and corporate collections.

Javad Soleimanpour

Javad Soleimanpour is a self-taught artist, born in Iran, who lives, works, and teaches in Turkey. A versatile painter of portraits, florals, and landscapes, he became known in the US when he won 1st place in the Pastel Journal’s Landscape and Interiors category after his work was submitted by one of his students. His reputation around the world as Turkey’s premier pastel artist is reflected in his 71,000 Instagram followers.

Mim Brooks Fawcett, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Attleboro Arts Museum

Mim Brooks Fawcett has been director and curator of the Attleboro Arts Museum for 17 years. She came to the museum after many years in practice as a graphic artist, university instructor in graphic design, and corporate Art Director. She holds a BFA from SUNY Binghamton in graphics and studio art, and an MFA from Boston University.

First Place

Mamut Pastels Award

Mom's Stew

Diana Coidan

Judge's remarks:

This irresistible work carries both poetic nostalgia and masterful technique. Viewers delight in seeing the placement of the pot – warts and all – on a worn, tilted burner in a highly resonant setting. The artist is to be commended for elevating this subject in such a poignant manner and for capturing a simple moment. The work boils over with authenticity and personality – true marks of distinction.

Second Place

Mamut Pastels Award

Garden Roses

Tatsiana Harbacheuskaya

Judge's remarks: 

A bit of neon mixed with Victorian elegance. The vibrant and the demure dance together to create a compelling still life filled with illuminated movement. The artist’s well-placed pops of light are charged with energy.

Third Place

Mamut Pastels Award

Rocky Run

Laurinda Phakos O'Connor

Judge's remarks: 

I can imagine the active hand of the artist as they apply their forms of carefully considered color. These marks allow the viewer to travel through a rugged corridor and hop over dabs of twinkle and edge. I’m eager to reach the “pot of gold” and enter a new and equally animated landscape.