Juror’s Biography
Richard Gaffney, Photography: Richard is a photographer, teacher, lecturer, and juror, having started in photography over thirty five years ago. He opened River Lake Photography in 1989 a portrait and wedding business located in Monmouth county New Jersey. Richard has earned countless awards for his photography over the years in state and international competitions. As a member of the Professional photographers Association of New Jersey he served as president of the central region earning the fellow of photography degree, and is a life member. He is a long time member of the professional photographers of America earning the Master of photography, Photographic Craftsman degrees and is a certified professional Photographer. Richard was selected by Adobe as a beta tester for Photoshop version 12, CS 5. His images have been published in Professional Photographer, and Photo shop user magazines.
Stephen McKenzie, Fine Crafts: Stephen is an artist, printmaker, educator and administrator. He received his MFA degree at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His major focus was on drawing and printmaking. Since graduation he has continued to work in printmaking and drawing using a variety of media. Professionally, he has been an adjunct instructor, worked as an assistant master printer at the Center for Innovative Printmaking at Rutgers University and has participated as a Printer for several Monothons held at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk, CT. He gained administrative experience as an Administrative Director at the Printmaking Council of New Jersey. Presently he is in the position of Manager for The Newark Museum Arts Workshop, where he oversees the adult studio programs in the arts as well as the Joseph A. Konrad Artist-in-Residence program. Stephen has been a guest artist and instructor in many colleges in the tri-state area and in Canada. He has had a number of one person shows as well as and being honored with a number of Best in Show Awards in the United States and
Canada and most recently Berlin, Germany.
Jill Hurant, Jewelry: Jill is an accomplished jeweler who has exhibited nationally. She has been published in several Lark jewelry books, including 1000 Rings as well as being published in the Lapidary Journal. She attended the University of Cincinnati and Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Jill also went to several institutions for her metal studies including the Jewelry Arts Institute/ Kulicke-Starke in New York . Her awards include the Carol Duke Award of Excellence at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Bellevue, Washington . Because of her intricate design she was one of the finalists for the Saul Bell Award in Rio Grande , New Mexico . Jill has taught several classes including the Newark Museum of Art and most recently at the College of Art in Maryland .
James Yarosh, Fine Arts: James is the owner of James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery. Established in 1996, the gallery is known for its progressive stable of contemporary artists trained in the classical Russian tradition. He honed his eye as a student at Bridgeview Fine Art Academy in New York and through study at the world’s greatest museums. His active role in bringing fine art to his NJ gallery through charity endeavors and designer show homes brought him to the national stage, and his designs have been the subject of features in magazines such as New York Spaces, Art & Antiques, and Design NJ. He also has appeared on HGTV. New Jersey Life magazine honored his gallery with an A-List award, and it was chosen as top pick for the Best Gallery Award by Monmouth Health & Life magazine. James’ own series of oil paintings, “A Family Portrait,” was featured as a solo window presentation at the Art Alliance of Red Bank in May, 2011. www.jamesyarosh.com