Austin Art Space announced the selection of paintings to be featured in its first annual juried exhibit focused on everything Texas, entitled ‘What Texas Means to Me’ running July 10 – August 22, 2009. The show’s theme is built entirely upon artists’ impressions of any aspect of Texas’ past, present or future. And, those inspirations proved to be wide-ranging from abstract and contemporary to representational and traditional. Pastel, oil, watercolor, acrylic, bronze relief, collage, mixed media, photography and sculpture are among the media included.

The final 37 art pieces were chosen from over 100 entries from artists as near as Austin and Wimberley to Dallas, Houston, and Lubbock to as far away as Delaware and New Hampshire. In all, works by 30 different artists were selected for presentation. The juror for the inaugural show was Jerry Seagle, a respected Texas artist whose works have been featured in numerous articles and books on experimental painting. Mr. Seagle has held 200 solo-exhibits and has received over 350 awards in regional and national exhibits.

Valerie Walden, co-founder and director of Austin Art Space commented, “We are exceedingly pleased with the quality of the work submitted. This show is not bound by conventional definitions of Texas, though some are traditional to be sure.  Rather, it reflects an array of visualizations that address tangible and intangible aspects Texas. Response has been so positive that ‘What Texas Means to Me’ will become a permanent part of our gallery calendar, joining our two other juried shows: ‘12buy12’ in December and ‘For the Love of Art’ in February each year. We’re giving this exhibit a long run so people can enjoy it over the summer.”

All patrons are invited to attend the Artists’ Reception on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Wine and cheese will be served and many of the artists are expected to be on hand to discuss their work. Mr. Seagle will award first, second and third place prizes at that time along with select merit awards. Many of the pieces will be offered for sale. The exhibit continues during regular gallery hours, ending on Saturday, August 22.