Neosho’s 27 annual Thomas Hart Benton art competition is now on display

27th Annual Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition is now on display through October at Neosho Arts Council’s Big Spring Gallery (inside the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce) in downtown Neosho, MO.

“We have a great selection of art this year,” said Sarah Serio, president of Neosho Arts Council. “There is art by full time professional artists and by people who’ve only just picked up painting recently.”

That ability to exhibit a range of skill levels is one of this exhibitions founding goals. While the annual event honors the artistic contribution of Neosho’s native son, Thomas Hart Benton, it’s also an opportunity for all area artists to compete in a professional environment.

“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. Artists from across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas are taking part in this year’s exhibition which features oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and works on paper.

“The focus of the Thomas Hart Benton show has always been on traditional 2D mediums,” Serio explained. “These are some of the mediums that Benton himself worked in.” Kimi Kitada, a curator and arts educator based in Kansas City, MO, will serve as this year’s judge. On September 22 the public is invited to join the artists for an award and critique presentation.

“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. “This is a great opportunity for new artists to learn
what makes a piece of art a winner.”

The awards presentation and critiques will be held at the Community Room of the Neosho/Newton County Library (201 West Spring Street, Neosho, MO). 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.