Garth Herrick's Apotheoun is a Smithsonian Competition Semifinalist

[John Reidy]

Garth-

I realize this sentiment is no consolation but I wanted to add my continued congratulations. It is always a mystery as to the final judging and what sways the votes. I do think David is right especially in this case. I also would like you to know that your work is truly worthy of this level and you (as well as many others on this sight) are an inspiration.

I will always paint because I am compelled to. You and others keep the banner flying while others, like myself, tread the path that you cut.

Please keep us informed of those others who dwell outside of our conection here and in PSOA. I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

[Tom Edgerton]

Garth--

I've already expressed how stunned I am with the painting. It is an absolutely original and consummately realized image, whether it carries the requisite "edginess" or not.

But what also equally impresses me is the grace with which you've received this honor, and the way you move through our working world. You've always exhibited a quiet confidence about your work, but with a singular lack of either unbridled ego or paranoid defensiveness. Add to that a generosity of spirit and helpfulness to your fellow artists. We could all benefit from cultivating these spiritual skills--I know I could.

Folks, we don't know what the final array will be, and it's premature to assume that it will be a contest between traditional realism and other approaches. But I'm looking forward to it, because by the time you get to even the semifinal level, all questions of excellence have been satisfied. So it becomes, as David said, somewhat subjective, because judging a show is always a human activity, and will always reflect the preferences of the panel. It can never be otherwise. Garth knows this.

But again, to have reached this level means you're one of the best, period. Garth, your work and the spirit you bring to it will always be the "gold standard" that I aspire to.

Best--TE

[Sharon Knettell]

Garth,

Your Apotheoun is one of the loveliest and most impressive pieces of contemporary painting I have seen.

Unfortunately Contemporary Art is mired in the mind-set of it has to be cutting-edge to be important, if it is not ugly it can't be expressive or powerful. Which is why I do not like Hockney, Freud, Neel and love yours.

I saw the paintings they featured on the Smithsonian web-site. It is their loss.

[Michele Rushworth]

I saw the paintings they featured on the Smithsonian web-site. It is their loss

Can you post the link? I went to their site and couldn't find it.

I did find out, however, that the lone artist on the jury is Sidney Goodman who teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Do you know who he is, Garth? I'm not familiar with his work.