THEDFORD – The Thedford Art Guild recently hosted its annual Open Show, where members of the guild displayed their photography, paintings, and 3D art pieces to be judged.
The first 3 places received monetary gifts, while the Best of Show winner, Roberta Barnes of Halsey, received $100 for her oil painting titled “Cool of a Mountain Stream.”
The show is a fundraiser for the Thedford Art Gallery, the oldest gallery in central Nebraska. Forty-five pieces of art by adults and two from the group’s youth were judged by Daniel Garringer of Kearney’s Seven Hills Studio.
First and second place painting prizes both went to Amy Simonson of Dunning for her pieces titled “Shadow on Good Memories” and “Ready to Rope.” In addition to her Best of Show award, Roberta Barnes took third in painting for her other oil painting titled “Summer Breeze.”
Photography’s first-place finisher was Megan Licking. Bridget Licking earned 2nd and 3rd for her pieces.
The 3D first-place winner was Falls City’s Fay Ann Blaylock for her 3 fabric chickens she titled “Besties.” Second place went to Amy Simonson with her pottery vase called “Chicken Coop,” and 3rd went to Linda Lacy, Ashby, for her clay “painting” titled “Stagecoach West.”
Youth winners were Ramona, the 7-year-old granddaughter of Fay Ann Blaylock, for her 3D work, “Bird, just Birding,” and Grady Licking, son of Bridget Licking, for his acrylic painting of cows titled “Friends.”
Sponsors contributing to the success of this annual show, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, include Herb & Lori Hall, Western Nebraska Bank, Consolidated Telephone, Crossroads Auto Repair Specialists (CARS), Security 1st Bank, Thedford Lumber and Supply, Ewoldt’s Grocery, Call’s Garage Inc. and Anthem Coffee, which awarded the 3rd place winners with a gift card.
The show is up until after The Thomas County Fair, which begins this coming week. The Thedford Art Guild is a volunteer-run organization and is always looking for helping hands in addition to new members.
