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MEMBERS EXHIBITION 2024
By Natalie Downey
The art scene in Columbus is rich and thriving, with many opportunities for local artists to connect, learn, and grow in their craft. The Columbus Artists’ Guild, established in 1950, is a local nonprofit organization that offers an inclusive and supportive network to new and seasoned artists.
Eclectic and enthusiastic about the world of art, the CAG provides opportunities for artists in the area to meet other artists, learn from each other, and showcase their work. Their mission is to bring awareness to the local art scene as well as to inspire an appreciation for the enrichment our community enjoys from a thriving art community. With more than 250 members, the CAG celebrates a diverse array of artwork, from watercolor to photography to mixed media, and all members are invited to participate.
More than just a group of artists supporting each other’s work, the CAG seeks to be a beacon of inspiration for the entire community. They have been extensively involved in assisting with art education and outreach in local schools as well as civic groups and interested organizations. The CAG also offers scholarships annually to two CSU art students, and offers free Guild membership to high school and college students.
The CAG’s annual Membership Exhibition is the largest art show in the Chattahoochee Valley, featuring more than 200 pieces by over 125 artists. The event will take place this year at the Columbus Public Library at 3000 Macon Road in the Grand Reading Room. Opening night is a catered event, free and open to the public, and will take place at 6:00 p.m. on September 28. Opening night reveals the participating artists and their submissions, up to two pieces per artist, and an awards ceremony the same evening begins at 7:00 p.m. Following opening night, the art exhibit will remain on display through October 25.
At the Membership Exhibition, prizes are awarded in many categories, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, mixed arts, and more. Thousands of dollars in prizes are awarded to the winners.
“It’s a wonderful competition,” CAG’s President Rob St. Clair, a photographer and author, says. “It is well attended by the public, and a great opportunity for members to showcase their artwork in the community.”
CAG Vice President Adleyn Scott says the Membership Exhibition is unique in that every artist that participates has their own niche. From new artists presenting for the first time to local legends whose names are well-known in our community, all of the artists are celebrated and supported. “We’re excited that we can continue to display our art and the community can come see it anytime for a month and purchase the artwork from the artists,” Adleyn says.
Proudly inclusive, the CAG welcomes all artists including artist hopefuls, regardless of their experience or accolades. Perhaps a unique characteristic in a world where newbies might feel less valued, in the CAG, brand new artists have the opportunity to mingle with seasoned legends such as Garry Pound in a place where all are connected by their passion for art.
Last year, Garry won first place in his category in the CAG Membership Exhibit. Garry is “A local legend whose work has become a part of our city’s every day life,” says Rob St. Clair. For this, he says, “Garry Pound deserves accolades for the artistic tapestry he’s bestowed on Columbus and at the Fountain City Coffee Shop.” Many are familiar with the sight of Garry’s framed pencil portraits that line the walls of the local coffee shop, representing the vast array of people who walk the streets of our city and together make up the community we call home.
Other notable artists whose work will be entered in the Membership Exhibition include Randy Nguyen, a plein air painter with an enthusiastic passion for nature. “Every year is bigger and better, and is very exciting,” Randy says. Randy gives back to the community by donating a portion of the proceeds from his art sales to local charitable organizations. He enjoys painting outdoors, a method called plein air painting, where he feels inspired by the nature that surrounds him. He is excited to enter a piece he feels all can relate to called “The Fishing Lesson,” as well as a painting of local legend Ralph Frank (aka Ralphabetz), which Randy titled, “Ralphabetz my friend.”
In the photography category, last year’s winner was local commercial artist Bobby Jones. “You’ll find his merchandise all over town, from the National Infantry Museum gift shop to the Columbus Museum,” St. Clair explains. His paintings of Columbus picture iconic local scenes that illuminate the sensation of “home” for many of us, and he also creates magnets, cards, posters, and more.
Charles Willis, talented watercolor painter, is another artist whose work you won’t want to miss at the Membership Exhibition. Last year he won first place in the watercolor category. “I enjoy the competition,” he says. “It makes me work a little harder.” Charles is looking forward to this year’s event, which he says is always a lot of fun. “You won’t be disappointed,” he says, “There are some outstanding artists in our community.” Charles has won over 45 awards for art over the years from various competitions he’s entered. Don’t miss the work of Charles and many other talented artists at this year’s Columbus Artists’ Guild Membership Exhibition. Non-members can pay to submit artwork for the exhibition too – so if you have an original piece you’ve been waiting to share, this may be the time.
To support the Columbus Artists’ Guild and the work of artists in our area, and to learn more about the CAG, visit columbusartistsguild.com.
