A Fresh Perspective: Dan Knowles Wins Best in Show at the 39th Annual Community Artist Showcase
The Paris-Henry County Arts Council is proud to celebrate another successful year of creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit with the 39th Annual Community Artist Showcase. This year’s exhibit features an outstanding collection of work by local artists—ranging from mixed media and digital art to painting, sculpture, and beyond—currently on display at the W.G. Rhea Public Library through April 23.
Best in Show: A Twist on Self-Expression
Taking home the top honor of Best in Show was Dan Knowles, a longtime local favorite, for his piece titled Elongated Self Portrait. Known for pushing creative boundaries, Knowles’ work presented a side-angle self-portrait stretched horizontally—paired with a signature artistic flourish: a small “viewer” mounted to the side of the frame that reveals the subject’s face from a traditional perspective.
This innovative design captivated this year’s judge, Debi Danielson of the Murray Art Guild. “The creativity and craftsmanship in Dan’s piece stood out immediately,” she shared. “His use of perspective, paired with technical expertise and artistic humor, really embodied the imaginative energy I saw throughout the entire showcase.”
Danielson also applauded the collective work of all participants, noting that the “imaginative thought and technical expertise of individuals and the creative energy of the community” made her judging decisions both exciting and incredibly difficult.
Category Winners – 2025 Community Artist Showcase
Ceramics
🥇 Vase 3 – Martin Paschall
🥈 Vase 1 – Martin Paschall
🥉 Vase 2 – Martin Paschall
Drawing
🥇 Peacock Butterfly – Susan Sombeck
🥈 Sarah – Tim Pafford
🥉 Overtaken – Alyssa Martin
Fiber
🥇 Cosmic Current – Michael Trolinger
🥈 Huaraches – Gerardo Cendejas
🥉 Ladies Handknit Sweater – Collette Wilde
Mixed Media
🥇 Fall Line – Marcia Duncan
🥈 Masked Dream – Richard Roblyer
🥉 The Forgotten – Richard Roblyer
Digital Art
🥇 The Lakes – Tara Scott
🥈 Guiding Road – Josue Renteria
🥉 Mascara – Daniel Page
Painting
🥇 In the Middle of Nowhere – Erik Stonebraker
🥈 Tanglewood – William Walls
🥉 Koi Pond – Lori Bastiani
Sculpture
🥇 What Are You Looking At? – Tony Murray
🥈 The Dream Coat – Dan Knowles
🥉 Chiricahua – Richard Roblyer
Glass
🥇 Wings – Dianne Carlisle
🥈 Blooming Clematis – Sharon Cortinez
🥉 Church School – Sharon Cortinez
Youth Division
🥇 After Hours – Baylie Bohanek
🥈 Diner’s Delight – Marley Duncan
🥉 Nice Shot – Martez Washum
🏅 Honorable Mentions – Donna Sinclair, Roadside Daisies by Patricia Gabilondo
On Display Now Through April 23
We invite the public to visit the W.G. Rhea Public Library and experience the powerful creativity of this year’s showcase. With over 100 works representing artists of all ages and skill levels, this exhibit is a vibrant reflection of the artistic heartbeat of Paris and Henry County.
The Paris-Henry County Arts Council thanks all of the artists, community members, and sponsors who continue to support the arts in our region. We are especially grateful to this year’s judge, Debi Danielson, for lending her insight and passion to the event.
For more upcoming exhibits, artist opportunities, and event info, visit www.phcarts.com.
