The Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) has announced the winners of its prestigious 2025 Hale Juried Exhibition, marking the second year of this distinguished art competition. The exhibition and its accompanying Hale Award for Excellence are made possible through the generous funding of Kaaren and Charles Hale, who have provided vital support to showcase the talents of local artists.

Frank Verpoorten, Executive Director and Chief Curator of Naples Art Institute, served as the juror for this year's competition, carefully evaluating submissions from AAN artist members. The juried exhibition recognizes outstanding artistic achievement across various mediums, with prizes awarded for first, second, and third place, along with honorable mentions and the special Hale Award for Excellence personally chosen by Kaaren Hale.

Heather V. McLeod claimed first prize with her oil on canvas work titled "First Love, Jasmine," demonstrating exceptional skill in traditional painting techniques. Kit Noble secured second place with "Blue Ridge," a striking photograph that captured the juror's attention with its compelling composition and technical excellence. Third place went to Meghan C. Weeks for "The Lincoln Line," an oil on linen panel that showcased masterful use of the medium.

The competition also recognized two honorable mention recipients for their outstanding contributions to the exhibition. Dionis Carter earned recognition for "Aisthēsis," a gouache on paper work that displayed innovative use of the water-based medium. Tricia Deck received honorable mention for "The Best Time of Day," a studio art quilt that represented the diverse range of artistic mediums featured in the exhibition.

In a special recognition, Bill Hoenk received the Hale Award for Excellence, personally selected by Kaaren Hale, for his photograph "Pink Sky at Night." This award represents a unique honor, as it reflects the personal artistic vision and preferences of one of the exhibition's key supporters, adding a distinctive element to the competition's recognition program.

Art enthusiasts and visitors to Nantucket can view the complete 2025 Hale Juried Exhibition through August 25 at the Big Gallery, located at 12 Straight Wharf. The gallery maintains convenient hours for public viewing, opening Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing ample opportunity for community members and tourists to experience the diverse artistic talents represented in this year's exhibition.