Piedmont Art Show Picturing a Healthy Event Snider Snider Snider

Piedmont Art Show Picturing a Healthy Event Snider Snider Snider

By Carina Elgin

An overhead view of a previous art show at Grace Episcopal.

The Art Show is a must. That’s what organizers of the 73rd Piedmont Regional Art Show are planning on while at the same time worrying that pandemic concerns and restrictions may change some of the long-running event’s features. The dates for this year’s show are October 22-24.

The Women’s Auxiliary of Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains initiated the popular community event in 1947 as The Neighborhood Art Show to showcase local talent and raise money for various outreach programs. “Gazelle" by artist Jennifer Sims was the winner of the

“Gazelle" by artist Jennifer Sims was the winner of the 2019 People's Choice Award.

The women’s auxiliary no longer exists, 2019 People's Choice Award. and the show, now called The Piedmont Regional Art Show, is run by a dedicated 15-member steering committee that prepares every phase of the highly-anticipated exhibition. Funds raised continue to advance the mission and ministries of Grace Church in the local community.

Donna Caudill has been operations manager for eight years. A former elementary school teacher, she’s always loved art and said she’s always overjoyed to see the varied sorts of art that comes in and enjoys meeting the artists and involving the community in supporting their work.

“We have so many talented artists in the Piedmont area,” she said.”If you’re looking for art to purchase or just to observe, you’ll find some really fun, interesting, and beautiful things to look at.”

Artists of all experience are invited to exhibit their original works in five categories: oil or acrylic, watercolor, graphics, photography, and other media. Ribbons are awarded in each category, and there’s a $500 prize for Best in Show. Artists may offer their art for sale during the show (or not).

Caudill said the committee is planning as if the Show will go on, guided by health and safety directives from the Diocese and the state. If the show is cancelled, artists who register will be refunded their entry fees. The final decision likely will be made in early October.

The show’s Friday night Opening Gala has always been popular, and will go on, if possible, with wine and cheese served outside. Numbers entering the building at one time to see the art may have to be limited. As Caudill noted, “There are many ways we can adjust, keep people safe and still enjoy and support our artists.” For detail: www.piedmontartshow.org or 540-253-5177.

“Gazelle" by artist Jennifer Sims was the winner of the 2019 People's Choice Award.