“Rescued Seal Pup Release, Kenai River, Sept. 23, 2023,” by Susan Watkins, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“Rescued Seal Pup Release, Kenai River, Sept. 23, 2023,” by Susan Watkins, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘People’s Choice’ show makes attendees the judges at Kenai Art Center

A voting box will be present at the center all month, with each person getting one vote

At the Kenai Art Center this month, a judged show is being held where each attendee is asked to play the title role. “People’s Choice — Judged Exhibition” will be open throughout the month, featuring artwork from local artists. Each attendee can cast a ballot for their favorite piece in the show, with cash prizes being awarded to those voted first, second and third place.

Charlotte Coots, executive director at the center, said Wednesday that there’s a broad variety of styles on display — that hanging the show on the gallery’s walls had been a challenge as she sought to distribute different pieces.

On the walls are many paintings, but there are also photographs, sculptures and other displays. One piece, filling space in the middle of the gallery, is “a little bit political,” Coots said. Each piece was submitted to the center in January by a local artist — the result a broad display of local talent.

“Come to the show, look at everything. See which one is your favorite.”

A voting box will be present at the center all month, with each person getting one vote. Coots said there are no categories for medium or style, every piece is competing for the same awards.

An opening reception will be held tonight, Feb. 2, at the center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be refreshments and live music by the Tune Weavers.

The exhibition — and voting — will be open during gallery hours, noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday until Feb. 24. The winners will be announced on the center’s website and social media after the show closes.

For more information about the Kenai Art Center, including upcoming exhibitions and programming, find “Kenai Art Center” on Facebook or visit kenaiartcenter.org.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

“Vision,” by Moira Ireland, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“Vision,” by Moira Ireland, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“ChaCha,” by Melinda Hershberger, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“ChaCha,” by Melinda Hershberger, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“Will it Work?,” by Chris Jenness, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

“Will it Work?,” by Chris Jenness, is included as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

”Cascading Culture,” by Zirrus VanDevere, hangs as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

”Cascading Culture,” by Zirrus VanDevere, hangs as part of the People’s Choice Judged Exhibition at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

More in Life

Promotional image courtesy Amazon MGM Studios
Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, J. K. Simmons as Santa Claus, Chris Evans as Jack O’Malley and Lucy Liu as Zoe Harlow in “Red One.”
On the Screen: ‘Red One’ is light on holiday spirit

The goofy, superhero-flavored take on a Christmas flick, feels out of time

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
A gingerbread house constructed by Aurelia, 6, is displayed in the Kenai Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Gingerbread House Contest at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday.
The house that sugar built

Kenai Chamber of Commerce hosts 12th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

Pistachios and pomegranates give these muffins a unique flavor and texture. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A chef is born

Pistachio and pomegranate muffins celebrate five years growing and learning in the kitchen

Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Holiday magic, pre-planned

Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
Life in the Pedestrian Lane: Let’s give thanks…

Thanksgiving has come to mean “feast” in most people’s eyes.

File
Minister’s Message: What must I do to inherit?

There’s no way God can say “no” to us if we look and act all the right ways. Right?

Jane Fair (standing, wearing white hat) receives help with her life jacket from Ron Hauswald prior to the Fair and Hauswald families embarking on an August 1970 cruise with Phil Ames on Tustumena Lake. Although conditions were favorable at first, the group soon encountered a storm that forced them ashore. (Photo courtesy of the Fair Family Collection)
The 2 most deadly years — Part 1

To newcomers, residents and longtime users, this place can seem like a paradise. But make no mistake: Tustumena Lake is a place also fraught with peril.

tease
Off the shelf: Speculative novel holds promise of respite

“A Psalm for the Wild-Built” is part of the Homer Public Library’s 2024 Lit Lineup

The cast of Seward High School Theatre Collective’s “Clue” rehearse at Seward High School in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward’s ‘Clue’ brings comedy, commentary to stage

The show premiered last weekend, but will play three more times, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15-17

Most Read