If a picture’s worth a thousand words, abstract art’s worth a dictionary. And even that might not do it.

It was a full-house Friday at the Durango Arts Center for the opening of the center’s annual exhibit of that most inexplicable of painting styles. “Abstract Views” features 29 local and regional artists in a colorful and varied display that was juried by Joan Levine Russell and Nancy Harris. At least they knew what they were looking for.

“It’s not that subjective,” Russell said.

“Abstract painting is based on principles of design, composition and a mastery of materials and colors. We used that criteria and judged each piece on its own merits.”

Maryellen Morrow took honors for “Best in Show” for her oil painting “White Out.”

“It has great balance of dynamics – warm and cool, and the way the blue, black, green and white is woven together. It’s kind of an emotional energy, and you can feel it,” Russell said of Morrow’s piece.

Fort Lewis College professor Anthony Holmquist took second place for his collage “System Stereocyclegraph” and Chet Anderson won third place for his black-and-white silver gelatin photo “Bistahi.”

ted@durangoherald.com