There was a ‘fantastic turnout’ at this year’s Artist Showcase Award Ceremony, according to Paris-Henry County Arts Council Director Caleb Grissom, marking the 38th consecutive year of the event. Roughly 75 attendees gathered at the W.G. Rhea Library to celebrate the outstanding talent within our community, continuing a tradition of art appreciation and community support.
The event showcased an impressive array of artistic endeavors, with entries spanning various mediums and styles. From stunning paintings and intricate ceramics to captivating sculptures and innovative digital art, the Artist Showcase displayed the diverse creativity flourishing in our midst.
***If you missed the award ceremony, all artwork can be viewed by the public during library hours from April 8th — April 24th. Please bring your friends and family to see all of the amazing artwork!
Grissom said, “Without further ado, we’re thrilled to announce the winners across various categories:”
Glass:
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First Place: Great Blue Heron by Sharon Cortinez
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Second Place: Poppies by Mary Beard
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Third Place: Nature Panel Calla Lillies by Dianne Carlisle
Digital Art:
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First Place: Burnt Out by Katie Savage
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Second Place: Crowned, Above the World by Olivia Williams
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Third Place: Honey Bee by Lizzie Amick
Painting:
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First Place: Clouded by Jennifer Karasek-Russell
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Second Place: The Silent Ones by Sue St. John
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Third Place: Saint Brigid of Kildare by Sarah Cendejas
Fiber:
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First Place: Glacier by Michael Trollinger
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Second Place: Raspberry Stars Quilt by Nancy Hicks
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Third Place: Sun Granny Square Crochet Purse by Kayleigh Vessells
Drawing:
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First Place: Johnny Wayne by Terri Pash
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Second Place: Elli 2023 by Jean Lorrah
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Third Place: Safe in My Hands by Jean Lorrah
Ceramics:
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First Place: Raku Keepsake Urn by Martin Paschall
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Second Place: Solace by Amanda Mason
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Third Place: Unseen Angel Stoneware by Martin Paschall
Sculpture:
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First Place: Necklace & Earring with Jade by Collette Wilde
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Second Place: The Great Wave by Knox Lamberth
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Third Place: The Alpha by Layne McKinley
Mixed Media:
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First Place: Welcome Reprieve at New Hope Creek by Terry Keith
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Second Place: A Study of Kintsugi #1 by Madeline Gray
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Third Place: Tennessee Raccoon by Marlow Peters
Youth:
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First Place: Reversal by Damion Townsend
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Second Place: Study of Roller Skates by Baylie Bohanek
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Third Place: Hogwarts by Marshall Todd
Best of Show:
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First Place: Clouded by Jennifer Karasek-Russell
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Second Place: Samurai (Youth) by Eli Martin
Grissom said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judge, Amanda Kaler, for her invaluable contributions to the Artist Showcase. Amanda, a mixed media artist residing on a small western Kentucky hobby farm, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing creativity within our community. With a BFA in Studio Art from Murray State University and a Master’s in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky, she works in the MSU Department of Art & Design and teaches a variety of youth and adult visual art workshops at the MAG Community Art Center, encouraging everyone to embrace their creative side.”
Photo: Best In Show winner Jennifer Karasek-Russell with her winning painting, “Clouded”. Arts Council photo.