Meet the Judge
"It was an honor and a privilege to judge Together. Congratulations to all the artists and the winners. My criteria has based on artistic creativity and interpretation of the theme Together. We are a community of artists that need to be together like a family. Much love" Jose Angel Hernandez, September 2025
Judge's Notes - Photographs will be shared after 9.14.2025
TRADITIONAL:
1ST #138 Amanda R. Henslee - Rocky Mountain Locals
This work illustrates a mastery of color theory, composition, and the theme of the exhibit. A representative painting where the predator-prey relationship is respect, equality, and togetherness.
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2ND #137 Amanda R. Henslee - Skakka - The Emperor & Empress
The mood of these beautifully executed portraits spoke to me of inner and outer peace, freedom, and hope through the symbolism.
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3RD #198 Analy Rangel - Blue
A great composition where three of the four edges of the painting uniformly create a space for the subject, giving the viewer a sense of movement, unity, and satisfaction.
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HM #89 Magdalene Grime - Little Buddy
This figurative landscape speaks to multiple family generations enjoying a sunset over the horizon.
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HM #74 Craig Lay - They Watched the Cattle
This work depicts a group of people and the boundaries between animals and humans in a distinctive Impressionist technique.
CONTEMPORARY:
1ST #100 Sarah K. Hermes - Putting Down Roots
The creative interpretation of the theme, Together, with the use of handmade 3D elements, is purposeful and meaningful. The trunks of trees have the same texture and colors, which tells me they are from the same species, but the leaves show diversity within the species. Walking together side by side and connecting the branches is a message for the future of society.
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2ND #62 Cheryl Lovett - Mother's Coneflower
Fabulous use of unconventional art materials to demonstrate the theme of togetherness. The work caught my eye as the mirror-like materials reflected light as I walked around.
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3RD #115 Young Kim - Dance of Fish
This work demonstrates a distinct Cubist approach to an ecosystem where everyone has the freedom to be different and unique and live in harmony.
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HM #124 Mario Munguia - Squip
On a large hexagonal surface, this work utilizes shapes, colors, and imagery to demonstrate diversity in the shapes and connectivity.
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HM #99 Sarah K. Hermes - With You and the Universe
This work gave me the feeling of family togetherness, search, journey, and exploration of what it is and what it could be.
PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL:
1ST #181 Blake Britain - Reflection
This work spoke to me on various levels. Obviously, the memory of lost American soldiers from the Vietnam conflict, but also in the reflectiveness of the living on the wall, and the proportion of the wall compared to the sidewalk.
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2ND #211 Robin Perkins - Spiral
The spiral path gave me the feeling of people on a common path, direction, journey, and destination.
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3RD #252 Al Key Happy Together
This work creates a feeling of love and longevity in togetherness. Red is symbolic, prominent, and well-balanced in the composition.
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HM #174 Isaiah Gutierrez - The Twins
An interesting composition of contrast and connections of the subjects.
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HM #253 Al Key - Hang Together
This composition captures a situation of tests, unity, and strength metaphorically.
THREE DIMENSIONAL
1ST #64 Cynthia Newton - Love Your Motha
The symbolism of a circle is universal, primarily representing eternity, perfection, unity, and wholeness. The bright rainbow colors of the outer circle on the black background drew me immediately. I then discovered the circle of embraced hands, each individualized, representing diverse cultures and textures. The texture of the Earth’s Western Hemisphere is beautifully executed. This is an amazing work of art.
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2ND #215 Susan Van Nostrand - A Bee Keeper's Journal
I can admire an artist with purpose and dedication to a meaningful body of work. I am guessing this is a lifetime commitment to exploring the world of bees. This is not only artistic but educational and fun.
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3RD #119 Kathy Dickerson - Magical Symphony
A fun work of art that merges the art of creating music, harmony, and joy with cultural elements of a wind instrument from South America called a Zampoña.
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HM #12 Micah Moore - Three's Company, Four's a Crowd
I love the storytelling in this well-executed sculpture that demonstrates unity, respect, and understanding.
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HM #235 Chloe Lloyd – Dresser
This work invited me to explore: a combination of graffiti-style lettering, symbolism, and full of energy and movement.
Jose Angel Hernandez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Northeastern United States. He graduated from high school in 1974 and later returned to school in 1990 to obtain a bachelor's degree in business administration graduating with honors of Magda Cum Laude. Jose is a self-taught artist and began his art career in 2000, during his 40-year tenure in the automotive industry.
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Artist's Statement
My mission is to create art and curated exhibitions that are playful, interactive, and evoke conversations. My artistic style is 3D Mixed Media (Assemblage). Each work of art is created with objects that I have either found, recycled, or purchased and then incorporated to add a three-dimensional component to the viewing experience. As a conceptual artist, my works are often centered around social issues, philosophical concepts, and inspirational art.
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Resume
2013-2019, Group shows and art festivals in Los Angeles CA: Beverly Hills Art Show, Brentwood Art Fest, Latino Heritage Month City of LA, Portraits of China Town, Fontana Art Fest, Costa Mesa Art Venture, Rejoice Art Show, Pasadena Art Walk, Hermosa Beach Art Fest, Calabasas Fine Art Fest, The Perception Project.
2019-2025, Art organizations and group shows in Texas: Visual Arts League Allen, Visual Art League Lewisville, Visual Arts Guild Frisco, Richardson Civic Art Society, Plano Art Association, and Grapevine Art Project.
Other group shows and festivals in Texas: The Gallery 8680 Frisco, Art in Bloom McKinney, Deep Ellum Comm Art Fair Dallas, Bath House Cultural Center Dallas, Irving Arts Center, Denton Art & Jazz Fest…