By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
Ozark–A large crowd gathered Sunday afternoon at the Dowling Museum/Ann Rudd Art Center in Ozark for the opening reception of the 26th Annual Regional Art Exhibition, where artists were recognized for their work, and attendees helped select the People’s Choice winners.
This year’s exhibition is the largest in the event’s history, featuring 71 artists and 175 works of art. The strong attendance at Sunday’s reception added to the celebration as awards were presented across several categories.
Kevin Hargrave took First Place in the Regional Art Show for his painting “A Colorful Life.” Becky Morgan received Second Place for “Calm Before the Storm,” while Carrie Raeburn earned Third Place for “Evening Commute in Rain.”
The exhibition also recognized eight artists with Merit Awards. The recipients and their works were Lindy Bruggink, “French Landscape”; Ashton Pattberg, “Desoto Trail”; Jeannie Maddox, “Swimmer in Green”; Karen Murray, “Not the Garden Variety”; Susan Hayden, “Catching Lightning Bugs”; Tim Richardson, “The Lion Fish”; Elsie Prather, “Red & Blue”; and Suzi Walker, “A Toast of Whimsey.”
Seven artists received Honorable Mentions: Victoria Hamm, “King of Kings”; Michael Edwards, “Blue Maze”; Ahshunti Creech, “Parrot of Paradise”; Gayle Boyette, “Mountain Shadows”; Danielle Robinson, “Sunshine (Set of 2)”; Rebecca Carr, “Close Enough to 5 O’Clock”; and Susan Beauchamp, “Child Portrait.”
Reception attendees also had the opportunity to select their favorite artwork for the People’s Choice Awards. Suzi Walker took First Place with “Lotus Me Love You,” while Peggy Hagler earned Second Place for “The Voss Brothers.” Third Place resulted in a tie between Jeannie Maddox’s “Horses of St Mark” and Peggy Hagler’s “Dancin Dave.”
One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon came with the presentation of the first-ever Ruth Rosentrater Award to Taylor Garza for her painting “Peak.”
Rosentrater was a longtime member of the Dale County Council of Arts and Humanities and a talented artist herself. She died unexpectedly last month. In her honor, members of her graduating class established the Ruth Rosentrater Award to recognize an artist participating in the regional exhibition.
The award provided a special opportunity for those attending the reception to remember Rosentrater and celebrate her contributions to the local arts community. Organizers said the love and admiration for Rosentrater was evident throughout the reception, reflecting the lasting impact she had on those who knew her.
The Judges Award went to Lindy Bruggink for “Lots of Red Hair.”
The awards highlighted the range of talent represented in this year’s exhibition while giving visitors an opportunity to celebrate the artists whose work stood out to both the judges and the public.
The 26th Annual Regional Art Exhibition will remain on display through Sept. 25 at the Dowling Museum/Ann Rudd Art Center, located at 144 East Broad St. in Ozark.
More photos from Sunday’s opening reception. Be sure to check out the exhibition before it’s too late! (All photos from Rudd Art Center)
