The Cambridge Art Association’s 2025 Members Prize Show once again offers a compelling showcase of artistic talent from its vibrant community. Open to all current members, the exhibition spans two locations: the Kathryn Schultz Gallery and CAA @ University Place. This year’s juror, Shana Dumont Garr, brings a rich background in contemporary art curation and academic research, lending her expertise to the careful selection of works presented in the show.

Garr’s juror statement reflects her appreciation for the artists’ trust in her selection process and her deep engagement with contemporary visual storytelling. She references her experience watching artists at work in the television series “Portrait Artist of the Year” as a guiding framework for jurying this exhibition, highlighting her appreciation for the creative process and artistic mastery. The selection criteria included the harmony between form and meaning, the artist’s technical mastery and the work’s unique visual communication.

A notable exhibition highlight is the recognition of outstanding artists through its Artist of the Year awards. This year’s honorees include Shelby Feltoon, Anastasia Sierra, Neetu Singhal, Barbara Trachtenberg, and Emily Manning-Mingle. Each of these artists bring a distinctive voice to the exhibition, offering works that challenge perception and invite introspection.

Emily Manning-Mingle’s work exemplifies a deep connection to place through direct observation and material exploration. Her large-scale paintings begin with paint poured onto an unstretched canvas laid on the ground, incorporating layering techniques that blend plein air observation with studio-based refinement. This process results in immersive compositions that encourage slow looking and discovery, reminiscent of the work of American artist Sam Falls, who similarly uses nature as both subject and medium.