Artist of the Year

This award is a once in a lifetime honor which is awarded to a member of JWS who has contributed their time and energy to keep the organization going and growing, as well as entering JWS juried shows and winning awards. This is not a monetary award. The candidates must be good artists who have donated their time to help the board by accepting a position on the board, chairing shows, chairing committees or other service to JWS.

The Artist of the Year Award consists of a special show of the artist's work, a plaque expressing the gratitude of JWS, and a unique lapel pin. In 2016, the Board of Directors reviewed the original guidelines and processes for AOTY which were in place from 1997 through 2003, updated and approved them for AOTY for 2016 and later years. Click here for guidelines and information form for potential AOTY candidates.

The Artist of the Year honor was awarded to 15 JWS members from 1997 to 2003 and 22 from 2008 to 2023. It was reinstated in 2008 to recognize outstanding service to JWS as well as outstanding art work. Additional information about honorees is available by clicking on the name below.

Congratulations to Pablo Rivera
Artist of the Year - 2023

Congratulations to Pablo on his accomplishments, and earning the honor of being the Artist of the Year for 2023.

Biography:
Pablo Rivera was born in El Barrio, Spanish Harlem section of New York City, educated in the public school system and graduated from Cooper Union art school in New York City where he also attended classes at The Educational Alliance and the School of Visual arts. Pablo taken classes with Charles Reid, Mary Whyte, Pam Wengerer and Don Andrews.

A multi-disciplined artist, Pablo has shown his work in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, California and Florida and private collection of Lindsey Tackett. Locally He has exhibited at The St. Augustine Art Association, The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, CoRK Art District, the Jacksonville Watercolor Society, He is a member of The Florida, Watercolor Society, the Ritz Museum and Southlight Gallery. His works included many portraits of African Americans included in “Through Our Eyes” Ritz Museum Show which traveled to South Africa. He also has created “Portraits for Change” for children victims of violence, the “Elever Children” portraits.

Pablo has contributed to JWS over a number of years in a variety of ways. He served on the AOTY selection committee. He has given several demos at JWS monthly meetings and held a 4 week class instruction at the Westminster Woods Julington Creek art class. Pablo also was the instructor for a one day JWS summer workshop that was well attended and enjoyed by all. He has volunteered to take photos of members’ works for entry to JWS shows - this offer is still available for those who need it.

Artist of the Year 1997 - 2003, 2008 - 2022

This page is still a work in process --with miscellaneous images in place of Show cards available and links to information about each honoree.

The Artist of the Year honor was awarded to JWS members from 1997 to 2003 and from 2008 to 2022. It was reinstated in 2008 to recognize outstanding service to JWS as well as outstanding art work. Additional information about honorees is available by clicking on the image and/or name below.

1997

Becky Woodward
Gloria Patterson
Marie Shell

1998

Joan Wellings
Leigh Murphy

1999

Margie Campbell
Toni Charneco

2000

Mary Borshard & Martha Finger

2001

Rosamond Parrish
Neil Kelsey

2002

Judy Lavoie
Charles Stratmann