Neosho Arts Council invites area arts to enter the 28th Annual Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition now through August 22. The annual event gives area artists the opportunity to compete in a professional environment while honoring Neosho’s native son, famed regionalist painter Thomas Hart Benton
“One of this shows' founding cornerstones was to have a professional exhibition opportunity for area artists,” said Sarah Serio, president of the Neosho Arts Council.
This year, Regina L. Willard, an impressionist painter, will serve as the show’s judge. Willard was recently selected as part of the Missouri Arts Council’s Missouri Featured Artists program. She will be awarding over a dozen cash prizes between two divisions, including $500 for Best of Show.
The show features an emerging and professional division which artists can compete in. “The two division’s give students and new artists an opportunity to get their feet wet in competition without going up against someone who’s more experienced in the field,” Serio explained.
Willard will review all entries in person before presenting the awards and a short critique of each winning work during a public award ceremony on September 30.
“During the awards our judge will also be giving a brief critique of each winner, which is a unique part of our competition,” Serio said. “She’ll give an overview of what aspects of each work made it a winner. This is an opportunity for the winner to learn what they are doing right but also for those who weren’t selected to evaluate their own work and possibly make adjustments.”
Artists interested in taking part will need to register at neoshoarts.net by August 22. The show accepts original 2D works including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, pastels, etc. No photography, digital works, giclees, high relief works, or 3D works. The full list of rules is available on Neosho Arts Council’s website.
Everyone is invited to attend the Awards Presentation and Critiques at the Community Room of the Neosho/Newton County Library (201 West Spring Street, Neosho, MO) on September 30. A public reception and viewing of the exhibition will follow. Willard will be on hand to discuss works one-on-one with attendees.
The exhibition will be on view at the Big Spring Gallery inside the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce (216 West Spring St., Neosho, MO) during September and October. It will also be on view through the Virtual Big Spring Gallery at neoshoarts.net.
You can learn more by following Neosho Arts Council on Facebook and Instagram or visiting their website.
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