By Jason KUROSU

The collected works of Glendale Art Association members were on display Saturday, with local artists participating in GAA’s Spring Salon reception, one of two annual GAA exhibits.

Since 1922, the Glendale Art Association has offered opportunities for local artists to develop their talents and display their works, with a fall exhibit that is open to the public and a spring exhibit exclusively for GAA members. This year’s spring salon exhibit was held at White’s Art, Framing & Restoration Gallery in Montrose.

The jazz guitar stylings of Steve Mccloskey greeted those entering the exhibit, while wine, hors d’oeuvres and art awaited inside.

Glendale Art Association President Jennifer Bentson said the association gives artists the experience of framing their works, both for public criticism and at Glendale Art Association monthly meetings, in which members practice their craft, and receive feedback and lessons from professionals.

Among the artists featured in Saturday’s exhibition were Anna Marie Clark of Hollywood, who started painting after her mother became ill. Thirty years later, Clark was still painting, with two pieces in Saturday’s exhibit, including one of the windmill near her former home in Aspen, Colorado.

Margaret Clarke, who took after her father’s artistic tendencies, used pastels to create a composite of a San Francisco city block, bringing together various buildings and trees from around the city into one ideal location.

La Cañada resident Magi Watson has been painting “too long not to be better than I am” and featured two still life pieces in the exhibit. Through her painting, “Path to Pyramid Lake,” Watson looked to evoke the peacefulness of the setting.

One room was dedicated entirely to GAA member Margot Lennartz, who passed away last month. Bentson recalled receiving her first oil painting lesson from Lennartz 30 years ago at Descanso Gardens. Saturday’s exhibit was held a day before Lennartz’s service and offered viewers a chance to see her collected works all in one place.

Awards were also handed out on Saturday in a number of different categories. The works were examined and awards were determined by an impartial judge hired by GAA especially for the event.

Paul Chamberlain’s “Wailea Lillies” won first place in the still life/animals category. Cheryl Comstock’s “Harmony in the Field” won first place in the landscape category. Betty Bairamian’s “Rise 1” won first place in the sculpture category. Hector Fernandez’s “Reflection of Purity” won first place in the portrait/figurative category.

Best of show was awarded to Anna Strzhemechna, for her piece, “Somber.”

Though awards were handed out, the exhibit was not intended to be an example of cutthroat competition.

“We don’t judge artists,” said Bentson. “We’re here to enjoy each other’s work and support each other.”

The Spring Salon is open and available to the public through April 25. For more information on GAA, visit www.glendaleartassociation.com.

  Jason Kurosu