By Martina Sestakova

In the absence of our regular in-person art shows, MAA is hosting several online exhibits in 2020. Each exhibit will include judging, awards, and artist's salons.

The September/October show category is Plein Air. Recognition will be made for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places; a award presentation will be held via Zoom to have the judge, Lesley Lundgren present the awards as well as her perspectives on the entire exhibit and the specific art pieces that are receiving awards.

Lesley Lundgren is responsible for overseeing Strathmore’s exhibition schedule which serves artists in Montgomery County and the surrounding region.  Lundgren arrived at Strathmore with a background in public programming she gained through working in galleries, libraries, and a mix of cultural organizations. She earned her Master of Library Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While on campus she developed a critical awareness of illustration and book design for young audiences as a grad assistant in the nationally renowned Cooperative Children’s Book Center. After graduation she worked as a children’s librarian in the District of Columbia and Allen County Public Library systems.  There she organized and participated in regional Caldecott Award committees selecting the best illustration in children’s publishing each year. Returning to Washington, D.C., she studied Arts Management at American University, earning a Master of Arts in 2013. She was the program’s first candidate accepted into the Arts Business exchange program with Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.  Lesley dabbles in weaving, watercolor and encaustic mediums, but mostly enjoys exhibition planning and visiting galleries and art fairs.