The Venice Art Center’s juried exhibition, “It’s All in Your Head,” was a captivating showcase sponsored by “Venice City Lifestyle.” It featured the works of 72 talented artists and was juried by artist Mary Voytek. Now, let’s meet the winners!
FIRST PLACE: Linda Zentz
Artist Linda Zentz won first place at the Venice Art Center with her painting “JOY.” Zentz completed the piece in acrylics just months before the show's call to artists and felt it perfectly embodied the theme. “I want as much joy in my head as possible,” she said, describing the pure, uncomplicated happiness her work captures. Zentz’s artistic journey began in childhood, leading her to study fine arts at Ohio University and Mexico's Instituto Allende. Her passion for painting rekindled upon moving to Florida in 2012.
Title: JOY, Acrylic/ NFS
SECOND PLACE: Lynne Railsback
Lynne Railsback won second place with her watercolor painting “GINSENG,” inspired by the plant’s intricate, human-like details. “It was such an interesting design with all the roots,” she said, reflecting on its organic complexity. A member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, Railsback noted that she was honored by the recognition, given the exhibition’s many outstanding works. Raised among artists, she earned a graphic design degree, leading to a career in interior design. After retiring, she embraced botanical art, working from live specimens with a limited palette and no sketches.
Title: GINSENG, Watercolor, Available for purchase.
THIRD PLACE: Laura McElhinney
Laura McElhinney won third place with “WOMAN IN BLACK,” which was inspired by a vivid dream of a woman reflecting on her life. “It evoked that feeling for me and was, indeed, all in my head,” she shared. Influenced by black and white lighting design, McElhinney used charcoal on black paper to explore creating dramatic contrast. Thrilled by the award, she shared that it's only her second exhibited portrait, as she usually depicts Florida’s endangered wildlife. With an MFA from CalArts, McElhinney's diverse career spans theatrical design and teaching at the Venice Art Center.
Title: WOMAN IN BLACK, charcoal/mixed media paper