What has kept the Poplar Bluff Artists’ Guild Regional Juried Art Exhibit running for 70 years?
“It’s just been a great inspiration to artists,” answered Steve Whitworth, director of the Margaret Harwell Art Museum. He experienced this inspiration himself as a young artist when the Poplar Bluff Artists’ Guild Regional Juried Art Exhibit was held at Commerce Bank.
“Seeing really good quality art by local artists made me want to create, too.”
MHAM staff expect over 20 entries across eight categories: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, 3-dimensional, fiber and graphic arts. The show will be judged by professional artist Cleda Curtis. Any artist age 18 and up who lives within 100 miles of Poplar Bluff is invited to compete for cash prizes. These are:
Best in Show: $200
People’s Choice: $50
First place: $50
Second place: $25
Third place: $15
An honorable mention piece will be recognized with a ribbon, but neither ribbons nor prizes are necessary to inspire viewers, Whitworth explained.
“People will see things in people’s artwork that touches their soul, in a way it just really inspires them — and sometimes it’s not even the winners.”
For artists, he said, “It’s not all about the recognition, but it’s nice to have some recognition and see how your art compares to others. And you can learn from those other artists.”
Entry forms are available at MHAM and Whitworth Gift Chest Jewelers. Entrants may pick up their forms the day of, but they are encouraged to read the prospectus before entering. There is a $25 admission fee, which also covers one year’s membership to the Poplar Bluff Artists’ Guild. Entries will be accepted 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28.
Two-dimensional works should be appropriately framed and wired for hanging, and all works must be smaller than 48-by-48 inches. Studio framing is permitted as long as the edges are finished. Oil paintings must be completely dried, and pastels, watercolors and graphic art must be under glass. Subject matter should be appropriate for family viewing.
The opening reception is 1-4 p.m. Nov. 5, with awards presented at 2 p.m. The closing reception will 1-4 p.m. Dec. 30. Entries must be picked up after 3 p.m. that day or between 1-4 p.m. Dec. 31.
The show is sponsored by Commerce Bank.
More information about MHAM and upcoming events is available at mham.org, and the Poplar Bluff Artists’ Guild can be found online at their Facebook page. The museum is located at 421 N. Main St. in Poplar Bluff.