Announcing the Winners of the 2024 Artist Showcase!

Updates

Apr 7

We had a fantastic turnout at this year's Artist Showcase Award Ceremony, marking the 38th consecutive year of this esteemed event. Roughly 75 attendees gathered to celebrate the outstanding talent within our community, continuing a tradition of art appreciation and community support.

The event showcased an impressive array of artistic endeavors, with entries spanning various mediums and styles. From stunning paintings and intricate ceramics to captivating sculptures and innovative digital art, the Artist Showcase displayed the diverse creativity flourishing in our midst.

***If you missed the award ceremony, all artwork can be viewed by the public during library hours from April 8th — April 24th. Please bring your friends and family to see all of the amazing artwork!

Without further ado, we're thrilled to announce the winners across various categories:

Glass:

First Place: Great Blue Heron by Sharon Cortinez
Second Place: Poppies by Mary Beard
Third Place: Nature Panel Calla Lillies by Dianne Carlisle

Digital Art:

First Place: Burnt Out by Katie Savage
Second Place: Crowned, Above the World by Olivia Williams
Third Place: Honey Bee by Lizzie Amick

Painting:

First Place: Clouded by Jennifer Karasek-Russell
Second Place: The Silent Ones by Sue St. John
Third Place: Saint Brigid of Kildare by Sarah Cendejas

Fiber:

First Place: Glacier by Michael Trollinger
Second Place: Raspberry Stars Quilt by Nancy Hicks
Third Place: Sun Granny Square Crochet Purse by Kayleigh Vessells

Drawing:

First Place: Johnny Wayne by Terri Pash
Second Place: Elli 2023 by Jean Lorrah
Third Place: Safe in My Hands by Jean Lorrah

Ceramics:

First Place: Raku Keepsake Urn by Martin Paschall
Second Place: Solace by Amanda Mason
Third Place: Unseen Angel Stoneware by Martin Paschall

Sculpture:

First Place: Necklace & Earring with Jade by Collette Wilde
Second Place: The Great Wave by Knox Lamberth
Third Place: The Alpha by Layne McKinley

Mixed Media:

First Place: Welcome Reprieve at New Hope Creek by Terry Keith
Second Place: A Study of Kintsugi #1 by Madeline Gray
Third Place: Tennessee Raccoon by Marlow Peters

Youth:

First Place: Reversal by Damion Townsend
Second Place: Study of Roller Skates by Baylie Bohanek
Third Place: Hogwarts by Marshall Todd

Best of Show:

First Place: Clouded by Jennifer Karasek-Russell
Second Place: Samurai (Youth) by Eli Martin

People’s Choice Award:

Peony by Becky Hodges
Stagnant in Limbo by Alyssa Martin

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judge, Amanda Kaler, for her invaluable contributions to the Artist Showcase. Amanda, a mixed media artist residing on a small western Kentucky hobby farm, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing creativity within our community. With a BFA in Studio Art from Murray State University and a Master's in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky, she works in the MSU Department of Art & Design and teaches a variety of youth and adult visual art workshops at the MAG Community Art Center, encouraging everyone to embrace their creative side.

Thank you to everyone who participated and attended the Artist Showcase Award Ceremony. Your support and enthusiasm are what make events like these truly special. Let's continue to celebrate and uplift the arts in our community!

***If you are an artist that participated in this event, please check your email for a link to the photo gallery where you can download higher quality images than the ones below.