for His Painting “Asleep on Blue Drape”
James Gwynne, professor of visual arts at County College of Morris, was awarded Best in Show at the 2010 Westmoreland Art Nationals Juried Exhibition for his painting “Asleep on Blue Drape,” a large bold work depicting a woman resting on a spread of blue cloth.
Since 1978, the Westmoreland Art Nationals has showcased national and international artists as part of the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg, PA. A total of 113 works were entered into the 2010 Westmoreland Art Nationals by 57 artists, representing 22 states and Belgium.
“It means a lot be recognized and acknowledged for your work, “said Gwynne, who resides in East Stroudsburg, PA. “I’m delighted to have received Best in Show in this juried exhibition.” The juror for the 2010 show was Robert L. Wood, Professor of Design and Coordinator of the Ceramics Program at Buffalo State College. Wood’s artwork is part of numerous public and private collections throughout the country and has received 12 national awards.
Gwynne also received a second prize award for another one of his paintings, “Vermont Landscape with Telephone Pole,” in the 23rd Annual Skylands Juried Art Exhibition.
Gwynne joined the CCM faculty in 1972. He also has taught at The College of Wooster, Ohio, and Centenary College. “It’s always felt natural to me to teach and I enjoy being around young people,” he says of his many years of teaching.
He earned his B.A. from The College of Wooster, Ohio, his M.A. from Michigan State University, and his Ph.D. from New York University. His work has been exhibited in more than 300 shows and is represented in many private, corporate and public collections, including the New Jersey State Museum and Pennsylvania State Museum.