Art exhibits were first viewed at the Bice-Ferguson Museum in 2007 and largely showcased artwork created by the local Dabblers Art Group.
Since Debra Herndon became the Museum’s Director, however, it has become an annual event and has significantly grown – this year featuring 58 paintings! Entrants vie for the “Best of Show”, chosen by those who visit the exhibit and cast their vote for their ultimate favorite.
This year’s Art Show opened the first week of August and runs through the end of August, so there is still time to stop by the museum, browse the entries, and cast your vote.
While Mrs. Herndon is delighted to have such an elevated number of artists taking part this year, she promptly shares the credit with Shinnston native Charlie Cowger, who has offered art and drawing lessons for many years – many classes held in the Museum. He has also done a great deal of professional and commissioned work as well as signage, and therefore has made a lot of connections.
Not only has Mr. Cowger been actively involved with helping Debra get the Art Show organized and set up, he also has helped spread the word among fellow art enthusiasts, thus helping it to grow quite a bit over the years. Although about 60% of the entries are the work of talented people from the Shinnston area, this year other entries have also come from Mannington, Grafton, Clarksburg, and Bridgeport!
Debra stated, “Those displaying their artwork range from beginners to experienced painters and teachers of art as well, and their ages vary from adolescents to older adults. Some are pencil drawings; others are watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. While the Museum’s mission is to promote history, culture is connected to history too, and we are pleased to give these folks the opportunity to share their skills with the public. Some will have pieces for sale also, and their contact information will be available if anyone is interested.”
The Art Show will be open for viewing during regular Museum hours: every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from Voting will end Saturday, August 29, at 12:30 p.m. A reception for the artists (with refreshments) will be held that day beginning at 1 p.m. Family members and friends of the artists are welcome to attend. Winners of the “Best of Show” – first place, second place and third place – will be announced at that time, and winners will receive small cash prizes. Art displays are to be removed at the conclusion of the reception.
The fall season will bring even more activities to the Bice-Ferguson Museum though. Following the closing of the Art Show the end of August, preparations will begin for a Quilt Show in September and a Fiber Arts Show during the month of October that will include knitted, crocheted, cross-stitched, embroidered, woven items and macrame! Anyone interested in displaying their items for these upcoming exhibits may contact Mrs. Herndon at 304-677-6650.
