On Friday evening, June 13, the winners of the 71st annual Verdigris Valley Art Show were announced. The event, sponsored by the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center, is located at 123 N 8th St. in Independence, KS. Judged by artist Joey Frisillo from Tulsa, a total of $1,950 in prize money was awarded to the artists across various categories, including painting, watercolor, drawing, mixed media, and 3-dimensional art.
This year’s show featured fifty-four pieces from twenty- six artists representing eleven communities across two states. The Best in Show award was given to Hugh Greer of Wichita for his acrylic painting titled “Third & Main.” First and second place prizes were awarded in each category, and eight Honorable Mentions were recognized. The People’s Choice award will be announced at the end of the exhibit, once all the votes are tallied. Lori Kelley, co-chair of the event, stated, “We had some excellent artwork entered this year. Every year we see so many different types of artistic expression showcasing immense talent and creativity.”
Additionally, the reception included a tribute to artist Alice Bradford from Caney, KS. Alice has been a participant in the Verdigris Valley Art Exhibit since 1954 and has rarely missed a year since. Co-chair Eenie Fitzpatrick introduced Alice, noting her “boot box full of prize ribbons,” which is a testament to her talent. Some of Alice’s artwork was displayed, and she received a standing ovation as she accepted her award.
Best of Show: “3rd & Main,” acrylic painting by Hugh Greer, Wichita Oil or Acrylic: First place “On the Balcony,” oil and cold wax by Anita Wilson, Thayer; second place, “Amber Morning,” acrylic by Hugh Greer, Wichita.
Watercolor: First place, Women Series IV “Friends,” watercolor by Dee Hutchison; second place, “Silver and Peacock Blue,” watercolor by Carol Davis, Wichita.
Drawing: First place, “How Stella Got Her Bark Back,” pencil drawing by Whitney B. Powell, Caney; second place, “Pumpkin Patch,” pastel drawing by Henry “Skip” Kreibach, Derby.
Mixed media: First place,“Boy with Bird,” watercolor and ink by Dee Hutchison, Neodesha; and second place, “Child’s View of Summer,” acrylic and wood by Paul Eck, Elk Falls 3D: First place,“Technophobia,” sculpture by Joe Summers, Chanute; second place, “The Birth of Adam,” clay by Nancy Hemme-Manale, Independence.
Honorable mentions include: “Two Pink Flowers,” watercolor by Carol Davis, Wichita; “Fruit Basket Upset,” oil by Henry “Skip” Kreibach, Derby; “Pat,” watercolor by Carl Brothers, Cherryvale; “Dog Catcher vs Boxer,” acrylic and collage by Dee Hutchison, Neodesha; “Chore Time,” oil by Carl Brothers, Cherryvale; “Reservoir Sunset” graphite and pencil by Cameron Farlow, Independence; “Mums in the Sun,” oil by Henry “Skip” Kreibach, Derby; and “Grandma and I,” graphite and pencil by Cameron Farlow, Independence.
The People’s Choice Award will be given at the end of the show on July 26. The exhibit will be on display in the IHMAC Gallery from June 13 to June 26, and visitors are welcome to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. For more information, contact 620-331-3515. The IHMAC is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
