To the Editor
The Margaret Harwell Art Museum recently hosted the 64th Annual Poplar Bluff Artists Guilds' Regional Art Exhibit reception.
We had 36 artists enter 92 pieces of art work. The quality of the entries was superb this year. As the title suggests, this is a regional show. To enter you must live within 100 miles in any direction from Poplar Bluff. We had entries from as far away as Carbondale and Cape Girardeau. Some of the finest artists around were represented. The winners were listed in the DAR.
I want to give special thanks to Commerce Bank of Poplar Bluff. They were our award sponsors again this year as they have been for as many years as anyone can remember. Commerce Bank used to be the host site for this event. I well remember going into the bank when I was young and being inspired to be a part of it. That was when Commerce was on the corner of Main and Vine. When our museum was founded, the show shifted over here but Commerce has continued their support.
I also want to thank the Missouri Arts Council. They continue to support our museum in all of our events. Their support helps us enrich the lives of our citizens and inspire the artistic talents of the citizens of Southeast Missouri.
I also want to personally thank the members of the Poplar Bluff Artists Guild. These folks have been around for 64 years. They've encouraged countless artists over the decades. Poplar Bluff is an important art center in large part because of the Guild.
Again, thank you all.
Steve Whitworth
Director
Margaret Harwell Art Museum
Poplar Bluff, Mo.