Loretto Biennial Awards Reception

Artworks in the exhibition will be judged by a panel of four jurors. The panel will consist of Dr. Pete Skoner, Dean of the School of STEAM and Professor at SFU, Jess Cambell, Adjunct Professor or Visual Arts, Abigail Carter, Student at SFU, and Julie Hart, also a student at SFU. Cash awards will include a top prize of $1,000 for Best in Show, together with a $500 First Place Award, a $250 Second Place Award, and $100 Third Place Awards. In addition, there will be a $300 People’s Choice Award, to be determined by visitors to the exhibition.

The exhibition is sponsored by Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery. Artworks featured in this show were selected by this year’s selection juror, Thomas Paquette. Paquette has been a full-time artist for over three decades since finishing his MFA degree in painting in 1988. He graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Painting from Bemidji State University in 1985, and earned an MFA on a full fellowship from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Paquette has had solo museum exhibitions across the country and forty paintings in nineteen US embassies on five continents, among other significant achievements.

To celebrate the opening of the museum’s Biennial 2023 juried art exhibition, SAMA Loretto will also host a Biennial 2023 Opening Reception on April 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Appetizers, refreshments and imbibements will be available to be enjoyed for all who attend. Registration is required for this event by March 31st, and can be made online or by contacting the museum. SAMA Loretto’s Biennial 2023 reception and awards are graciously sponsored by Barry H. Newborn, Chantel Ventura, Dr. Magdi and Karen Azer, Dr. Owen K. and Marian Morgan, Barbara O'Brien, Fred Danziger, and SFU School of STEAM (Dr. Peter Skoner).