40th Adam Styka Art Exhibit 2018 and Sale This year's Adam Styka Art Exhibit and Sale was organized by the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia, an affiliate of the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC), with the cooperation of the Pauline Fathers at the Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Doylestown PA had it's grand opening reception on Sunday August 26, 2018.Event Report
Poster by Walter Piesiecki
40th Anniversary Adam Styka Art Exhibit and Sale 2018
Twenty-seven artists from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York exhibited this year. It was a very diversified show that featured experienced professionals and talented amateurs. There was a variety of media in addition to the traditional oils and pastels. Several entries were three-dimensional, the most eye catching being a masterfully done "szopka" executed in the classic manner by Dave Motak.
Jean Joka, President of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia, greeted the guests, among whom were Mateusz Gmura, Vice-consul at the Polish Consulate in New York and the Honorary Consul in Philadelphia Deborah M. Majka. Marie Hejnosz, Director for the Adam Styka Art Exhibit & Sale then took the podium and with the vice consul's assistance presented the prizes to the winning artists.
The Grand prize of 500 dollars was awarded to Piotr Wirkijowski, for his entry entitled "Volyn," a work that contemplates the infamous crimes against the Poles living in Ukraine. The prizes that followed were funded by the American Council for Polish Culture. Second place went to Justin Jedrzejczyk for "Nocturne," third place for the evocative "Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist" by Eric Armusik. The Emilia Piasecka Award was given to Marek Wojtowicz for an untitled abstract.
There were an unprecedented seven Honorable Mentions recognizing: John Kazary "Runners on Your Mark," Steve Zazenski "Country Summer," Fred Place "Slyder Farm," Brian Oliver "Stockton Bridge," Robin Crowley "Breakfast at Pearls," Eugene Maziarz "Landscape III," and Bridget Lokay-Warne "Beyond."
Every year, this exhibit attracts much attention from visitors to the annual Polish American Festival at the National Shrine of Our Laby of Czestochowa in Doylestown. It has been a regular feature there for many years thanks to the support of the Pauline Fathers. Those artists who would like to participate in next year's exhibit and sale should check the website of the ACPC www.polishcultureacpc.org under "Competitions."
The formal presentation of the awards was followed by a wine and cheese reception. Numerous guests attending the reception had an opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their work.
To see photographs by Jacek Szymula: go to Additional Photo Set
1. "Volyn" - First place winner Piotr Wirkijowski
Photographs by Peter J. Obst except when marked otherwise
2. (l. to r.) RP Vice Consul in New York Mateusz Gmura
with Polish Heritage Society President Jean Joka
(photo by Janusz Romanski)
---- 2a. (l. to r.) RP Vice Consul in New York Mateusz Gmura
with Styka Exhibit Chairwoman Marie Hejnosz
3. Zygmunt Sawosko and his entries
4. "Nocturne" - Second prize winner Justin Jedrzejczyk
5. "Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist" Third Prize, by Eric Armisik
---- 5a. Krystyna Cimoch admires some abstract art
6. Szopka art by David Motak
7. Christopher Jodlowski and his entries in the exhibit
8. Honorable Mention - "Country Summer" by Steve Zazenski
9. Emilia Piasecka Award - "Untilted" - Marek Wojtowicz
10. Honorable Mention - "Runners on Your Mark" by John Kazary
11. Entries by Eugene Maziarz