MHAM benefit celebrates Christmas, awards named for current watercolor show

Margaret Harwell Art Museum hosted a Christmas + Cocoa fundraiser event Saturday, and recently named Awards of Excellence for its current show, “Watercolor Now! 2020”

The fundraiser was organized by Friends of the MHAM as part of the group’s ongoing support for the art museum.

It included tours of the current show, and a drive up component for visitors.

Organizers of the current show, Watercolor Honor Society, have also asked MHAM Director Steve Whitworth to select six works for an Award of Excellence.

The WHS will present five $300 checks to the selectees and the city of Poplar Bluff will present one.

Whitworth said he was overwhelmed with the caliber of quality of this exhibit from top to bottom.

After much deliberation, he has chosen the following in no specific order:

• Richard Hanson, Ft. Dodge, Iowa, “Big Surprise”

• Judi Betts, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, “First Love”

• Richard Dutton, Hallsville, Missouri, “Magic Connection”

• Donald Lake, Mahomet, Illinois, “Relics”

• Diane Lawrence, Berryton, Kansas, “Adam”

• Lynne Railsback, Venice, Florida, “Fan Dancer, Napaea dioca”