From the museum's press release

"The Portland Art Museum has announced the 2006 Oregon Biennial Juror Awards. The winners were selected by the Museum's curators based on the quality, intention, and presentation of the artists' work currently showing in the Biennial exhibition. The awards include cash prizes to encourage the continued creation of art and to help sustain the artists' careers.

Matthew Picton of Ashland, Ore., who received a prize of $1,000. Picton's large to-scale drawing and intricate cut-out of the cracks found in a Medford alleyway reflect the tension between man and nature and their effect on each other.

Pat Boas of Beaverton, Ore., received a prize of $500. The Biennial includes a series of Boas's highly detailed drawings of imaginary reptilian forms. Her work revolves around observation of signs and means of communication.

David Eckard of Portland, Ore., received a prize of $500. Eckard is known for his welded-metal sculptural forms and recent engagement with performance art. Eckard's latest sculptural performance can be seen as part of PICA's TBA festival.

About the Biennial
Juried and curated by Jennifer A. Gately, the Arlene & Harold Schnitzer Curator of Northwest Art, the Biennial surveys trends and directions in contemporary art in Oregon. This year's exhibition showcases a spectrum of contemporary artwork including painting, photography, video, digital media, installation, performance, sculpture, and drawing. The exhibition runs through October 8."

All good picks who were way overdue for recognition...(PS Jesse Hayward and I will be on KBOO radio Thursday at 10:30 AM to discuss the biennial)