NEW BRITAIN — Connecticut Women Artists, Inc (CWA) celebrated a COVID-safe, outdoor opening reception for its annual juried exhibition of member work last weekend, and a Newtown artist was named one of the show’s top award winners.

Roberta Shea captured first place for her oil painting, “Down by the River.” The painting depicts an early spring scene along the Pootatuck River, where the artist frequently walks. Shea often finds inspiration within her hometown, often during her daily walks within Fairfield Hills, according to her artist’s statement.

Shea’s paintings are loosely constructed and often lacking in detail. They are, according to the artist, more emotive than narrative.

“I utilize photography and drawings to define the elements of my oil paintings and to gather information,” she said. “Back in the studio I work and rework each painting while allowing the paint to direct the conversation and my imagination.”

A former board member of the Society of Creative Arts of Newtown and a member of Washington Arts Association, Shea has used her time during the pandemic to paint new scenes close to home as an affirmation of the complexity, wonder, and resilience of nature.

Her painting of trees and flora show “the promise of spring and the enduring order that remains intact, regardless of our human fate,” she said.

The CWA annual members’ juried show opened April 17 at The Art League of New Britain, 30 Cedar Street. It is on view until May 14.

The exhibition features work by members of CWA, a 90-plus-year-old organization with a mission to foster and promote interest in the visual arts by women artists in Connecticut, to maintain the highest possible standards of achievement among them, to provide exhibitions, and to encourage any other activities beneficial to artistic endeavors. The annual exhibition includes paintings, mixed media, drawings, collage, prints, fiber art, photography, and sculpture.

Roxanne Stachalek — an artist, former designer, and art director who is the executive director of West Hartford Art League — served as juror for the show.

In addition to Shea’s, awards announced on Saturday afternoon included the following:

Second Place: Kathleen Simmons, Glastonbury, for “Constraints,” a 36- by 36-inch oil and cold wax on cradled paper;

Third Place: Mary Burk Smith, Wallingford, for “Crossing Moon”;

Juror’s Award: Sarah Warda, Newington, for her painting “Ascension”;

Council’s Award: Christine Acebo, Ashford, for her photograph “Last Tram out of Alfama”; and

President’s Award: Polly Castor, Bethel, for “Discernment,” a 24- by 30-inch abstract conceptualist oil.

Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 1 to 3 pm and Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 pm.

A closing reception is planned for Friday, May 14, from 6 to 8 pm. For additional information visit ctwomenartists.org.