The Harlin Museum’s annual art show, dedicated this year to the nation’s semiquincentennial, concluded with a reception and awards ceremony on April 25.
The event drew artists, patrons and community members together to celebrate creativity and national pride in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Candidate for Missouris 154th District of the House of Representatives Travis Smith officiated the ceremony, presenting honors to participating artists across multiple categories.
Nancy L. Fennell took the evening's top honors, winning Best of Show for her piece, “Patriotic Horse.”
Fennell also secured first place in the American Symbols & Icons category with “Patriotic Eagle.” Tali Brinkerhoff earned second place in the category with “American Bighorn,” and Cathie McClellan took third with “New Coin at the Realm/Caught in a New of Not of My Device.”
In the Portraits category, Fennell claimed another first-place finish with “John Hancock Signing the Declaration of Independence.” The piece also won the exhibition's People’s Choice award. Robb Cox took second place with “Raising Old Glory,” followed by Lonnie Meuser in third with “Selfie 2.0.”
Lee Copen swept the top two spots in the Landscapes category, winning first place for “Long Way Home” and second place for “Cotton Fields.” Third place was awarded to McClellan for “Purple Mountains Majesties.”
Several artists received honorable mentions during the ceremony, including Jim McBride for “Resting,” Fennell for “McDonald Lake, MT,” Meuser for “Beehaven,” and Copen for both “Crossing to Pine Point” and “Evening at Alley.”
Museum officials noted the reception, which included refreshments provided by the Board Of Directors, marked a successful close to the exhibition while celebrating artistic achievement and community spirit.
