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Philadelphia artist wins first place in Texas National

Daniel Dallmann’s “Studio Interior with Empty Chair”

First place award in Texas National 2018 was presented to Daniel Dallmann’s “Studio Interior with Empty Chair.”

Sassoon Kosian’s “Aspiration of the Soul”


Second place in Texas National 2018 went to Sassoon Kosian’s “Aspiration of the Soul.”

David Avery’s “Running on Empty”

Third place in Texas National 2018 went to David Avery’s “Running on Empty.”


NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Daniel Dallmann, an artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was selected as having the winning entry in the 2018 Texas National Competition and Exhibition at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Nationally acclaimed art critic and author Jed Perl, who served as juror, chose Dallmann’s “Studio Interior with Empty Chair” for the top honor in this year’s prestigious competition that garnered more than 65 pieces of art by 65 artists from 19 states.

Perl awarded second place to Sassoon Kosian of Cranford, New Jersey, for “Aspiration of the Soul,” and third place went to David Avery of San Francisco, California, for “Running on Empty.”

Honorable mentions were awarded to Deborah Bay of Houston, Lindy Chambers of Bellville, Nathan Taves of Columbia City, Indiana, and Scott Whitworth of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The School of Art’s annual juried competition and exhibition attracts entrants from across the United States, providing artists an opportunity to have their work juried by highly regarded artists and critics.

Texas National can be viewed through June 10 at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches. Gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.