Out of 58 entries, nine are winners in this year’s Poplar Bluff Artists’ Guild Juried Art Exhibit — but there is still the chance for one more ribbon. Visitors to the Margaret Harwell Art Museum can still vote for the People’s Choice Award which will be handed out at the exhibit’s closing reception, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 30.
“We had at least a couple people in every category...” said MHAM Director Steve Whitworth. “A great variety.”
Twenty-four artists in total entered the show’s eight categories: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, mixed media, 3-dimensional, fiber and graphic arts. One piece was also named Best in Show.
This year’s show features “a great variety of styles” Whitworth said. There were fewer fiber art, pastel and oil entries, but more people embraced acrylic.
“More and more people are enjoying the spontaneity of acrylic paints,” he noted.
This exhibit marks the 70th year of the Poplar Bluff Artists Guild, and Whitworth noted the organization is always looking to grow. Their activities include occasional meetings, an annual barbecue and discussions about art. All participants in the Juried Art Exhibit automatically become members for a year.
“You can always join the Artists’ Guild whether you’re an artist or not, if you want to support the club,” Whitworth said.
This year’s winners are:
Best in Show: “Double Trouble” by Mattilyn Grace Stacy, watercolor.
First in 3-D: “Focus” by Adam Sobas.
First in acrylic: “Crossroads” By Cindy Million.
First in fiber: “Leaves on Log Wood Wool” by Marj Hedstrom.
First in graphic arts: “Teton Solitude” by Vic Russell.
First in mixed media: “Pretty in Pink” by Marj Hedstrom.
First in oils: “Friends Sculpture Garden” by Steve Whitworth.
First in pastels: “Pathway Home” by Mary Taylor.
First in watercolor: “Rex Rattler” by Mattilyn Grace Stacy.
MHAM is located at 421 N. Main St. More information about open hours and upcoming events can be found online at mham.org and by calling 573-686-8002.