Car Art Show Exhibition Opens as Part of Journey Stories at Jarrettsville Library

From the Harford County Public Library:

Journey Stories officially kicked off on April 11th with the opening reception for Cars: A Harford County Love Affair, the first of six exhibitions that will accompany the Smithsonian’s Journey Stories Exhibition coming this May 19 to the Abingdon Branch of the Harford County Public Library.

The Cars juried photography exhibition opened at the Jarrettsville Library with 30 photographs illustrating Harford County’s love of the car. Local professional and amateur fine art photographers submitted over 90 pictures for consideration and 30 photographs by 18 artists were selected to be included in the exhibition. Selection was done by a library committee.

“This exhibit is a visual testimony of the depth of the talent and artistry of photographers in our community and a wonderful way to celebrate National Library Week in Harford County,” stated Mary Hastler, Library Director.

The evening’s reception featured the unveiling of the prize winners. The $500 first prize went to Wooden Cross by Daniel Rozmiarek. Corvette ZR1 by Josh Berg took home $300 for second place. A third place prize of $100 went to Consigned into Oblivion by Holly Johnson. Honorable Mention prizes of $50 were awarded to Daniel Rozmiarek for Park & Ride, and to Michael Gaudreau for Crusin’ Down Main. Local artist and car enthusiast Jim Butcher, and Irna Jay, photographer and faculty member of Maryland Institute College of Art, were the show judges.

First place winner Rozmiarek was thrilled to see his images selected for the show. “I take pictures that tell a story and nudge people to ask questions,” commented Mr. Rozmiarek. Michael Gaudreau’s winning submission Crusin’ Down Main Street was an image he saw as he was driving in his own car. “I saw the shot I wanted and followed the vehicle,” stated Gaudreau, an art teacher at John Carroll. This is the first time Gaudreau has submitted his photography for exhibition and was happy to see one of his own student’s work in the show also.

The photographers have donated their work to the Library Foundation and are available to bid on at a silent auction which will be open through Friday, April 13th. Those unsold after the silent auction closes will be available for sale through the term of the exhibition on May 21st. Proceeds will benefit the library and its programs.

Cars: A Harford County Love Affairis open at the Jarrettsville Library until May 21, 2012. Other exhibitions open throughout the County May 12 and May 19. Journey Stories is part of Museum on Main Street, collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the Maryland Humanities Council and is presented in Harford County by Harford County Public Library and Harford County Department of Community Services.

Michael Gaudreau (Crusin’ Down Main); Daniel Rozmiarek (Wooden Cross and Park & Ride); Josh Berg (Corvette ZR1); and Holly Johnson (Consigned into Oblivion) pose with their winning submissions in the Cars: A Harford County Love Affair on April 11th at the Jarrettsville Library.