Artist of the Year

Photo of Dee Marcellus Cole

Dee Marcellus Cole – 2016 Artist of the Year

The whimsy paper-mâché sculptures of Dee Marcellus Cole have been exhibited in over thirty one person shows and museums throughout the United States. Cole has traveled to South and Central America, Mexico, Tonga, Australia and Indonesia to study folk art and to document carnivals.

Photo of Jan Wright

Jan Wright – 2015 Artist of the Year

Although she primarily paints landscapes, her portraits of people and animals, her abstracts, and records of her imaginary journeys to enchanted lands are displayed in local, regional and national shows.

JoAnn Formia

JoAnn Formia – 2014 Artist of the Year

Painting at Manzanar National Monument with Henry Fukuhara during his annual workshop for many years, and two trips to Mt. Carmel in Utah to paint with Milford Zornes, have certainly made a lasting impression. I have also had the great experience of painting with at least 50 others on a trip to Canyon de Chelly. These trips allow artists to learn from each other and enjoy the camaraderie of people with the same interests, a very inspiring and enriching experience.

Sylvia Meredichian

Sylvia Megerdichian – 2013 Artist of the Year

Sylvia Megerdichian is known for her imaginative, semi-abstract water media paintings. She has developed a special technique in which she combines and layers conventional watercolor with Caran d’Ache watercolor pencils, collage and/or ink.

Artist: Harrison McIntosh - Artwork: Pedestal Bowl

Harrison McIntosh – 2012 Artist of the Year

Harrison McIntosh, a famous ceramic artist, was a leading figure in the midcentury modern movement. He created and refined elegant artworks “over the course of his long and immensely distinguished career.”

Sam Maloof

Sam Maloof – 2011 Artist of the Year

Sam Maloof began designing and hand making custom furniture in the 1950’s. He became recognized for his outstanding and unique designs and superb workmanship, creating fine pieces that are treasured and passed down through generations.

Betty Davenport Ford - Grazing Gazelle With Four Birds

Betty Davenport Ford – 2010 Artist of the Year

Like so many other Pomona Valley artists, Ford benefited from mentorship by Millard Sheets. In 1954 he organized an exhibition at the LA County Fair, The Arts of Daily Living, which featured her work. This recognition helped launch her career.

Andree Mendenhall Mahoney – 2009 Artist of the Year

Chaffey College had granted her two Sabbatical Leaves for which she prepared one person shows at the Wignall Gallery, Ginger Eaton, Director. Many of the works from those events, including works after retirement, were shown at the Valley College San Bernardino Gresham Gallery in 2014, another one-person show. She has work in Paris France, New York City, Los Angeles, Portland Oregon and in many local collections.

Bob Smith

Bob Smith – 2009 Artist of the Year

Bob Smith, 1930 – 2020, born in Los Angeles, made his mark on the Pomona Valley in many ways—as an illustrator, a teacher, and an author.

Martha Underwood

Martha Underwood – 2008 Artist of the Year

As a versatile artist, she moves into other avenues of art comfortably. In
addition to her watercolor endeavors she is also an illustrator. Though she
has done a great deal of commercial illustration, she prefers to illustrate
children’s books and coloring books.