As an art exhibit juror, Clayton Merrell said his fundamental approach is to look for work that “causes me to feel something or think something or see something in a new way.

A painter and associate professor of art at Carnegie Mellon University, Merrell put that aesthetic to work as juror for Greensburg Art Center’s “Biennial 2023,” which opened May 6 at the center in Hempfield and runs through June 30.

He lauded the diversity of the submitted works for everything from technical virtuosity and formal complexity to quirky personality and honest human connection.

In announcing Merrell’ awards choices, exhibition co-chair Pat Majcher said that she and co-chair Marcy Koynok each had one piece accepted.

Praising the quality of the work, she said modestly, “We didn’t win a prize, we were lucky to get one in.”

Honorees included Gary Zak of West Mifflin, best of show; Cheryl Hopper of Washington, Pa., first prize; Michael Walter of Carnegie; and Maura Keeney of Latrobe, third prize.

The Catherine Rosensteel Memorial Award went to Clare Stefanini, while awards of merit went to S. Rick Armstrong, Sharon Boykiw, Natalie Condrac, Dan Droz, Brian McCall and Nancy Rusbosin.

Reception guests enjoyed a bountiful appetizer table supplied by art center members.

Providing music were Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Natalie Kasievich on violin and symphony musician Sarah Ferrell on cello.

Seen: Jerry Scorpion, Richard and Eileen Stoner, Ronald Nigro, Paul and Mandy Sirofchuck, Christopher and Clair Maier, Joanna Moyar, Barbara Ferrier, Becky Mormack, Don and Doreen Currie, Phil and Mary Ellen Raneri, Kimberly and Patricia Elliott-Rentler, Gene and Nancy Dalverny, John Kelly, Sue Pollins, Tami Krusper, Stacie Krusper, Dan Keeney, Adelberto and Ramie Ortiz, Tom Niggel and Bob Majcher.

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