Calhoun Times 'HeART of Education Exhibit Showcases Local Artists'

The HeART of Education exhibit currently on display at the Harris Arts Center marks the first time the Calhoun venue has participated in a National Arts Program® exhibit.

 

The purpose of the National Arts Program® is to develop of artistic talent by encouraging employees and families of employees of city and county governments, hospitals, airports, businesses, and special venues to exhibit their art.

 

As one of the Harris Arts Center Visual Arts Guild members pointed out, education is, at its heart, creative, so showcasing people involved in local public schools seemed fitting. Calhoun City Schools, Gordon County Schools, and Georgia Northwestern Technical College employees, retirees, and family members were invited to submit art.

 

There are 58 participating artists ranging from pre-school age to retirees in the Harris Arts Center show, and they submitted a total of 98 works of art in the areas of painting, works on paper, photography, crafts, and mixed media.

 

The exhibit, which opened Sept. 12, is juried, and prizes were awarded in each of five categories. Adult categories are amateur, intermediate, and professional. Youth categories are teen and youth 12 and under. In addition, a best of show prize winner was named. Each participant received a certificate of participation.

 

Winners were announced at an awards reception Sept. 22. They are as follows.

 

Amateur: Joe Psaila, 3rd place; Kyle Smith, 2nd place; and John McPherson, 1st place.

 

Intermediate: Laura Payne, 3rd place; Clint Baker; 2nd place; Jody McLeod, 1st place.

 

Professional: Ansley Sproull, 3rd place; Johnnie Dobson, 2nd place; Kelli McLeod, 1st place.

 

Teen: Kathryn Barton, 3rd place; Jon Ledbetter, 2nd place; and Alissa Greeson, 1st place.

 

Youth 12 and Under: Sarah Beth Vaughn, 3rd place, Jill Bridges, 2nd place; and Jett Strickland, 1st place.

 

The prize for Best of Show was awarded to Will Linn.

 

In addition, 10 honorable mentions went to Carol Vickery and Dixie Wyatt, amateur; Jule Medders and Clint Baker, intermediate; Penny Dobson and Mary Nell Podgorny, professional; Katelyn James and Sarah Barnes, Teen; and Colin Wood and Anna Caroline Parker, youth.

 

The exhibit will be open during Arts Center hours until Oct. 21.

 

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