Schaefer Portrait Challenge 2012 ‘Jurors’ Choice’ Winner Announced

By Madeline Ziecker

Jonathan Clark with Carolyn Schaefer Gray at the award reception. Photo by Jose R. Morales.

Maui artist Jonathan Yukio Clark has been awarded the Schaefer Portrait Challenge 2012 “Jurors’ Choice” Award for his portrait entitled, “Grandma’s Story.”

Clark was chosen as the winner of the distinguished award out of 57 other artists whose works are currently on display in the Schaefer Portrait Challenge 2012 exhibit at Schaefer International Gallery at the MACC.

The award was donated by Carolyn and Jack Schaefer Gray, and included $15,000 in prize money.

Clark’s winning portrait, “Grandma’s Story,” is a mixed media piece incorporating wood painting and silk obi (elaborate band made to go with a kimono). The work is a window into the character of Clark’s grandmother, who lived in both Japan and Hawaii, touched by both worlds.

Clark was born and raised in Hawaii and his tendency toward multimedia allows him to create works which reflect his mixed Japanese-American heritage. Using textiles, drawing and paint, he seems to create works that sometimes look Japanese, but speak Hawiian.

He was officially awarded on January 8 at the opening reception of the currently running art exhibit at Schaefer International Gallery.

Jurors who chose Clark as the winner of the 2012 award were: Sally French, Duane Preble, Michael Takemoto, Madeline Callahan, and Jack Naiditch.

The next award to be given for Schaefer Portrait Challenge will be the $5,000 Marian Freeman People’s Choice Award on Sunday, February 19 in the gallery.

The award has been donated by Gage Schubert and will be decided by Maui voters. Visitors to the gallery through February 17 are invited to vote for their favorite portrait.

For gallery information, visit MauiArts.org. Supporting information provided by the MACC.