Mystic Outdoor Art Festival announces award winners for 68th annual event

Photo via Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the jury for the 68th Annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival have announced the award-winning artists for this year’s event. The artists received recognition on the morning of Sunday, August 9.

The awards ceremony took place during the festival’s annual Awards Breakfast at Mystic River Park. Mystic Transportation served as the sponsor for the morning event.

The annual jury process recognizes participating artists across several categories, including fine, media, and applied arts. Judges spent a full day meeting with every participating artist to evaluate the submitted work.

This year’s judging panel included Alana Ryder, executive director of the Mystic Museum of Art, and Jennifer Stettler, senior curator at the Florence Griswold Museum. Enrique Figueredo, an artist and assistant professor in printmaking at the University of Connecticut, also served on the panel.

The festival evaluation process aims to highlight exceptional creativity and technical talent across all art categories represented at the Mystic gathering.

2026 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival Award Winners

Best in Show

Sponsored by The Whaler’s Inn

Katie Strano

[Photo Attached – Bruce Flax, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce presents the Best in Show Award to Katie Strano from Southbury, CT]

Marion Tetlow Work by a Local Artist Award

Sponsored by Janney & Sisley, LLC

Dan Desrochers

Gail and Alan Rosen Memorial Spirit of Mystic Award

Sponsored by Amy L. Rosen

Stephen Sisk

Best of Fine Arts – Oil

Sponsored by Sift Bake Shop

Michael Perry

Best of Fine Arts – Acrylic

Sponsored by Densmore & Bugby

Samantha Glevick

Best of Fine Arts – Pastel/Watercolor

Sponsored by Sails Up 4 Cancer

Robin Frisella

Best of Fine Arts – Illustration/Graphics/Ink

Sponsored by R&B Apparel

Angela Stiftar

Best of Fine Arts – Mixed Media

Sponsored by Maria’s Seaside

Richard Trincere

Best of Media Arts – Photography

Sponsored by Pochal & Pochal, LLC

Zilli Zhang

Best of Applied Arts – Ceramics/Glass

Sponsored by Martin House Books

Shane Dorey

Best of Applied Arts – Jewelry

Sponsored by Cuccina El Pantheon

Roze Malone

Best of Applied Arts – Sculpture

Sponsored by Mermaid Inn

Peter Bowe

Best of Applied Arts – Wood

Sponsored by Noank Shipyard

Sean Macdonald

Best of Applied Arts – Metal/Leather

Sponsored by Outer Light Brewing

Kenneth Soares

Best of Applied Arts – Fiber

Sponsored by Mountain Hollow

Shengzen Bernardin

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Mystic Outdoor Art Festival announces award winners for 68th annual event