CoPA + Art★Bar | 2025 | Natural Abstraction

by | Jun 22, 2025 | Events

Natural Abstraction

CoPA + Art★Bar 2025 Juried Exhibition | July 11 – August 28

Opening Reception: Friday, July 11 | 5:30 PM

Comments and awards  | 8 PM

Art★Bar | 722 East Burleigh, Milwaukee 53212

“To abstract is to draw out the essence of a matter.”
― Ben Shahn

Don’s challenge for us this year revolves around the idea of Natural Abstraction, inviting us to explore the relationship between our environment (built or natural) and abstract spaces so often overlooked. There are endless opportunities for abstraction, where the interplay of forms, patterns, and details can be reimagined into something unexpected.

The goal of this competition is to showcase images that guide perception beyond direct depictions and encourage new interpretations of familiar subjects for both the artist and the viewer. We’ve seen much in the way of inspiration recently when it comes to the concept of Natural Abstraction; from tools for making the photograph, to how we play with layout, pixels and exposure in post-processing, to the possibilities for physically manifesting these images beyond traditional prints.

“There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.”
― Pablo Picasso

PRIZES

  • Don’s Prize: $100 in gift cards to Art★Bar, Wonderland, and Meow Bar
  • CoPA Board Prize: 1 year membership to CoPA Milwaukee

ACCEPTED ENTRIES FOR Natural Abstraction

This exhibition features 45 works by 17 artists. Thank you to everyone who submitted work, and congratulations to those selected for this show:

  • Adam Thomas – Humbolt & Locust
  • Barbara Budish – aPeeling Transformation, Interstellar EggPlanet with Dippers, You Glow Girl
  • Carl Hartt – Eureka 1, The Wave
  • Cindy Hansen – Bark Inversion, Water Drops
  • Erin Maddox – Ian Puts the I in Teamwork, Phone Tree, Red Branches, Snow Branches
  • Guntis Lauzums – Floral Abstract 2, Floral Abstract 4
  • Jack Kleinman – Dead, Fungating, Mineralization, Trembling, Water-Color
  • Jeff Nordholm – Daisy Field
  • Jerry Styberg – Cortez #2, Ephemeral Enchantment, Suspended Animation
  • Joe Gay – After the Snow, Behind the Bark, Plants on the Pier, Veiled Kelp
  • Kay Cucinello – Green Space, Stumpy, Twiggy
  • Kris Gould – Fractured, Molten, Vibrant
  • Kristine Hinrichs – Art Imitates Life, Bubbles, Lake Side, The Woods Were Dark and Deep
  • Marcella Jones – Web Talk, Black River Melt
  • Marcia Staum – Reflected Brush, Autumn Reflection Photo Transfer, Dandelion, Soft Kaleidoscopic Drips
  • Michael Havice – Bark Senkoji
  • Robert Ulrich – The Bee