Arizona artist wins first in Texas National

Phoenix, Arizona, artist David Shannon-Lier won first place in the 2016 Texas National Competition and Exhibition at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Commenting on the high quality of work entered in the 22nd Texas National event, Juror Abelardo Morell selected Lier’s piece titled “Grassland Moonset, Gla National Forest, New Mexico” the top honor.

Second place went to Albuquerque, New Mexico, artist Serena Stevens for “Just Keep Swimming,” and third place went to Portland, Maine, artist Betsy Lewis for “Finale (3).”

Honorable mention entries were by Houston artist Kathy Drago for “Pre-Contact,” Hattiesburg, Mississippi, artist John Lawler for “Innocence and Violence,” and Gainesville, Virginia, artist Raphael Warshaw for “Rio Douro 18.”

The SFA School of Art’s annual juried competition and exhibition attracts entrants from across the United States, providing artists an opportunity to have their work juried by highly acclaimed artists and critics, such as Morell. The exhibition includes photography, painting, sculpture and mixed media pieces.

Texas National 2016 and an exhibition of Morell’s photographic work will show through June 11 at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, located at 329 E. Main St. in downtown Nacogdoches.

For more information, call (936) 468-1131.