(From Neosho Arts Council)Neosho Arts Council is accepting entries to the 27th Annual Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition through August 23. This annual event was designed to honor Neosho’s native son, famed painter Thomas Hart Benton, while giving area artists an opportunity to compete in a professional environment.
“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, the organization which took over directorship of this annual event six years ago.
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 experienced in the field,” Serio explained.
This year, Kimi Kitada (pictured), a curator and arts educator based in Kansas City, MO, will serve as the show's judge. Over a dozen cash prizes will be awarded between the two divisions, including $500 for Best of Show.
Kitada will travel to Neosho to view the works in person before joining Neosho Arts Council for the public award ceremony on September 22.
“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 23. 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 their 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 22. A public reception and viewing of the exhibition will follow. Kitada 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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