Confluence of Art Annual Award Ceremony

September 28, 2026- November 22, 2026

Juried Annual Exhibit Featuring Recent Works from Regional and National Artists

The Confluence of Art Annual Exhibition resides each fall in the James W Hansen Gallery at Pablo Center at the Confluence. Regional and national artists submit their work for review for display in the exhibit with 50 works crossing different media, techniques, and motifs selected for display in the exhibit each year.Year after year, the volume and quality of works submitted continue to grow 
and is a testament that the arts scene in the Chippewa Valley and beyond is thriving, alive, and well. We welcome guests and artists alike to participate in the exhibit and share in the artistic excellence of our region.

This year’s Confluence of Art Annual introduces a renewed curatorial approach. A juror will thoughtfully review submissions to select the artworks that will be exhibited, and a judge will experience the show in person to determine the award recipients.Each brings a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for creativity, offering new ways to interpret and engage with the visual arts. Together, their insights encourage conversation between artists and audiences and remind us that art can be experienced in many forms and through many lenses.

The goal with this year’s show is to broaden perspectives and build connections. The intent is to continue opening doors and creating opportunities for people to encounter art in new ways, rather than remaining within familiar circles. 

By welcoming different voices into the process, the exhibition aims to foster 
understanding, curiosity, and a sense of belonging for all who step into the 
gallery.

Art has always been about connection. This exhibition celebrates that by inviting us to share space, exchange ideas, and see our community reflected in new and inspiring ways. 

Artist and Awards Ceremony

October 9th 5-7pm

Meet the artist, hear from the juror/judge and socialize with creative minds!

JUDGE & JUROR INFO

Judge Colleen Denning

This year’s judge has a special connection to COAA. Colleen was last year’s Best in Show winner—selected by both the juror and the judge! Her compassion, humility, and talent captured the attention of viewers and made a lasting impression. 

Colleen’s journey is especially inspiring. She went from initially not submitting her work to winning the show, and now, just one year later, serving as this year’s judge. 

We’re honored to celebrate her courage and journey, and we hope her story inspires all practicing and emerging artists in our community to put themselves out there. You never know where sharing your work might lead—your dream opportunity could be waiting for you.

BIO: Colleen Denning was born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Though she left her hometown to pursue her education, the pull of the Chippewa Valley eventually drew her back, grounded by a deep appreciation for the region's life and potential for adventure. Today, she shares those adventures with her partner, Nik. Outside of her creative work, Colleen spends her time tending to her hobby farm, gardening, and playing music—passions that continually nourish her connection to the environment around her.

Colleen’s journey with painting began over 25 years ago, and her artistic ambition has only intensified with time. What started as an initial exploration has developed into a lifelong commitment to visual storytelling, grounded in a close observation of the local landscape and the rhythms of everyday life.

Juror Melville Georgakopoulos

Melville Georgakopoulos is a Boston-born, Eau Claire based multi-disciplinary artist working as an illustrator, tattoo artist, and fine artist. Embracing a diverse range of mediums his work spans intimate studio pieces to large-scale public art.

Recognized for his contributions to the Midwest art scene he's been awarded Volume One's Cover of the Year in 2016 and is a current recipient of Downtown Eau Claire Inc.'s (DECI) mural grant. The honor of being a juror for the COAA is one he is very proud of and takes very seriously.