Raymond artist wins second juried art competition

By Lorraine Glowczak

It was just seven months ago, in February, when we learned that Holden Willard of Raymond, a 2017 Windham High School graduate and the son of Don and Megan Willard won an international juried art competition on February 13 at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. That competition was open to artists from all over the world. Willard, who attends Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA., not only received best of show for his self-portrait, but he also won $500 which he received at the gallery’s reception on Friday evening, February 15.

Holden Willard (Photo by Gardner Reed)

Fast forward to August and Willard once again entered his artwork into another juried art competition. This time, it was Mills Pond Gallery in St. James, New York – located along the north shore of Long Island. The focus and name of the exhibit was “Transformations: Figures of Our Other Selves” which began on August 17^th. This exhibit explored the artist’s take on what persona or alter ego is present in their artwork. This exhibition featured artwork, from around the U.S., where the transformation or alter ego focused on the creativity of the subject matter.

And, guess who won first place? Again? Our very own Raymond resident – Holden Willard. According to a local Long Island newspaper, The Times Beacon Record - August 15 edition, in an article written by Melissa Arnold, “The idea for  the latest exhibit, Transformations: Figures of Our Other Selves, “came to her [Allison Cruz, Director of the Museum] as she contemplated how young people today have embraced the concept of an alter ego, from multiple Instagram accounts for different facets of their lives to different personas in music and media. The subject intrigued the director, who said alter egos can be seen as dark and hidden or common and ordinary.”

The article also stated that around 10 exhibits are showcased at Mills Pond each year, roughly half of which are juried. Juried exhibits are curated by a guest juror who examines each entry for its artistry and how well it fits the chosen theme, ultimately selecting his or her favorites for exhibition. There were approximately 35 artists from all over the United States who entered the competition.

In addition to winning first place, Willard received a financial award of $700. Congratulations Holden Willard!