The Members Show is an annual juried exhibition open to all PMA members. Our founders introduced this exhibition during the art center’s inaugural year as a way to honor and recognize the relationship between local artists and the museum. The show has become a deeply-rooted tradition that highlights the creativity and talent of our community. 

This year, for the celebration of the show’s 72nd iteration, artists were asked to submit works no larger than 14 inches in any dimension [(72nd) 7×2=14]. The small-format prompt has resulted in the display of nearly seventy unique, compelling, and exquisite little gems. The exhibition is open to artists of all skill levels, from beginning and emerging artists, to those with established careers. Featured artwork includes a variety of media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and a special People’s Choice award winner is determined by visitors during the opening reception on Friday, September 18.

The museum welcomes acclaimed artist Pippin Frisbie-Calder as this year’s exhibition judge. Frisbie-Calder is a visual artist whose large-scale prints and immersive installations celebrate our natural world. She translates scientific data into powerful visual stories, challenging us to see what’s at stake and encouraging us to be part of the solution. Pippin Frisbie-Calder holds degrees in printmaking from Tulane University, MFA, and Rhode Island School of Design, BFA. Frisbie-Calder’s work has recently been exhibited at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum, New Orleans Contemporary Art Center, Southeastern Louisiana University, Capitol Park Museum, University of West Florida, Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Waterfall Arts and Biennale Internationale d’estampe contemporaine.

Congratulations to the 72nd Annual Members Show award winners!

1st Place: Gregory B. Saunders, The Preservation of Lepidoptera

2nd Place: Heather Mitchell, Piercing Gaze

3rd Place: Shannon Hall, it’s a friggin fish

People’s Choice Award: Jarrod Goldman, TV Party

Honorable Mentions (3):

• Kenneth H. Jordan II, Northern Red Charm
• Sarah Searfoss, The Owl Prince
• Joseph Ulrich, Fantastic Fur Game cartridge