Entry open for Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition
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The Neosho Arts Council invites area professional and emerging artists to take part in the 31st annual Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition. The council is seeking entry from artists over the age of 18 who work in traditional 2D mediums.
“One of this shows' founding cornerstones was to have a professional exhibition opportunity for area artists of all skill levels,” said Sarah Serio, president of the Neosho Arts Council. The annual event gives area artists the opportunity to compete in a professional environment while honoring Neosho’s native son, famed regionalist painter Thomas Hart Benton.
The show accepts original 2D works including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, pastels, etc. No photography, AI generated work, digital works, giclees, high relief works, or 3D works will be accepted.
“We want to showcase not only our area's incredible artists and their talent but also show the importance of art created by the human hand,” Serio said. The accepted 2D styles are all ones Benton himself worked in at some level. The council hopes that artists will feel a connection to the history of art in this area.
Zeek Taylor will serve as the juror. Taylor is an artist based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He’s won numerous awards and been the recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Taylor will be selecting winners for over a dozen cash prizes between the two divisions, including $500 for overall Best of Show. The show features an emerging and professional division which artists can compete in.
“The two divisions give college students and new artists an opportunity to get their feet wet in competition without going up against someone who’s more experienced in the field,” Serio explained.
All entries will be judged in person before presenting the awards and a short critique of each winning work during a public award ceremony on September 12.
“During the awards our judge will also be giving a brief critique of each winner,” Serio said. “He’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 pre-register at neoshoarts.net by August 26 with art drop off on August 27 and 28. 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 12. A public reception and viewing of the exhibition will follow. Taylor 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.
