JOHNSTOWN — A record number of new artists are becoming allied with a local organization.

For Allied Artists of Johnstown’s winter exhibit, which will be on display through Feb. 23 at AmeriServ Financial, Franklin and Main streets in downtown Johnstown, 16 artists have been accepted into membership, and four of them have won awards their first time out.

“We had 88 pieces submitted, and 72 are in the show, representing 41 artists,” said Annette Ballow, co-chairwoman with Judith Crookston.

Works by new artists that won awards are “White Sands Serenity,” a photograph by Sherrill Begres, Titanium White Award; “Serenity,” a watercolor painting of two cows resting in a field by Richard Hower of Seward, Ned Wert Award; “Grandma,” a pencil sketch by Maryann Regula of Johnstown, Bill and Judy Dembowski Award; and “Roswell,” an ink on briston by Christopher Tower of Johnstown, Copies Plus LLC Award.

Other artists admitted to membership are John Akers, Richard Christie, Lenore Constantino, Dawn Marie Johnson, Shelly Kosack, Patricia Lugar, Lance Marks, Megan Ochenrider, Ben Policicchio, Paul Rizak, Sandy Vigna and Georgia Wild.

“Allied Artists is pleased with the turnout of new artists who entered the 2013 winter exhibition,” said Diane Safko, Allied Artists’ president.

“Sixteen area artists are now members of Allied Artists of Johnstown, bringing the collective membership to more than 100 members.

“Allied Artists also has welcomed artists working in new mediums, including woodburning, relief carvings and ink renderings.”

Other award winners are “Lilac,” an oil geometric by Stephen Jendricks, Bill and Judy Lansberry Award; “Wadda Croc,” a whimsical, metal crocodile sculpture by Alan Lichtenfels of Johnstown, Bob and Barbara Yetsko Award; “Out of Commission,” a watercolor of an abandoned piece of heavy equipment by Larry Mallory of Glen Campbell, Eddie Spaghetti Award; “Penny Candy,” an acrylic of sweet treats by Rich Newill of East Conemaugh, Marilyn S. Kreitzburg Award; and “Farm House,” an acrylic by Alan Rauch of Johnstown, Dan and Jane Helsel Award.

“I was very impressed, but not surprised, by the high quality of work displayed in the current Allied Artists’ show,” said Ballow, who retired as an art teacher from Greater Johnstown School District.

“The Johnstown area really is loaded with artistic talent. I invite everyone to the AmeriServ lobby anytime from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to witness this for yourself.”

Pittsburgh artist Patrick Ruane, known for his subtle landscapes, was juror.

Ruane trained at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and continues his pursuit of capturing the western Pennsylvania hills and rivers.

“Thanks to Johnstown Allied Artists for giving me the honor of judging the annual winter show,” Ruane said in his statement. “Both the total number of submissions and the general quality of work was impressive.

“I thought the overall skill level of the work in this show was high. I thought the presentation was professional, and my impression is that the artists in this show take what they’re doing very seriously,” Ruane said.

“Congratulations both individually and as a group. I think you have a fine show here. I’m sorry I couldn’t have given out more awards.”

The creations may be purchased by calling 421-1525 and may be viewed online at www.johnstownart.com.Award; and “Farm House,” an acrylic by Alan Rauch of Johnstown, Dan and Jane Helsel Award.

“I was very impressed, but not surprised, by the high quality of work displayed in the current Allied Artists’ show,” said Ballow, who retired as an art teacher from Greater Johnstown School District.

“The Johnstown area really is loaded with artistic talent. I invite everyone to the AmeriServ lobby anytime from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to witness this for yourself.”

Pittsburgh artist Patrick Ruane, known for his subtle landscapes, was juror.

Ruane trained at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and continues his pursuit of capturing the western Pennsylvania hills and rivers.

“Thanks to Johnstown Allied Artists for giving me the honor of judging the annual winter show,” Ruane said in his statement. “Both the total number of submissions and the general quality of work was impressive.

“I thought the overall skill level of the work in this show was high. I thought the presentation was professional, and my impression is that the artists in this show take what they’re doing very seriously,” Ruane said.

“Congratulations both individually and as a group. I think you have a fine show here. I’m sorry I couldn’t have given out more awards.”

The creations may be purchased by calling 421-1525 and may be viewed online at www.johnstownart.com.

If you go ...

What: Winter Exhibit of Allied Artists of Johnstown.

When: Through Feb. 23.

Where: Ameriserv Financial, Franklin and Main streets, downtown Johnstown.

Information: 421-1525 or www.johnstownart.com.

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