Piedmont Regional Art Show Returns Oct. 28

Piedmont Regional Art Show Returns Oct. 28

Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains has served as a showcase for new works by area artists for 74 years, a string interrupted in 2020 when it was not held due to COVID-19.

The Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale continues this year in the church hall from Oct. 28-30.

Last year’s resumption of the show featured 200 works in the categories of oil or acrylic, watercolor, graphics, photography and other media.

Artists can enter as many as three works. A panel of three judges evaluates and awards prizes, including a prize for overall Best in Show. This year’s judges are Barbara Sharp, Patricia McMahon Rice and Linda Volrath.

Jennifer Sims painting “Ada” won a top prize in the 2021 Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale

Photo by Ken Garrett

The works are mounted for viewing in the church hall and can be purchased by the public attending the show.

Over the years the art show has featured the works of regional artists in all media, representing all ages and levels of experience, from established professionals to youth artists. The fact that the show has endured for 74 years speaks to its popularity as a venue for artists.

“As Operations Manager for the Art Show for the past ten years I have seen the show grow and provide a place where artists look forward to displaying and selling their work, as well as a place to get to know each other better,” said Donna Caudill. “This show has been very effective in bringing many parts of the community together over the years.”

The 2021 show drew 194 entries from 83 artists. A total of 50 works of art were sold, generating $13,967 in sales. Donations from sponsors totaled another $10,425.

Caudill leads a group of 15 volunteers from the church organize the show and gala each year, handling various aspects from purchasing food and beverages for the gala to the hanging of the works for the show. Additional volunteers are recruited for the run of the show to help things run smoothly.

Proceeds from the show and gala help support the church’s programs. The event is just one of many cultural opportunities hosted by the church during the year that include a concert series and theater performances.

The year’s Piedmont Art Show & Sale begins with a gala from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the church located at 6507 Main St., The Plains. Admission is $15 per person (free to artists and show sponsors who get a sneak preview from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.). Light snacks and drink will be served. The show itself runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 and noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. Admission is free to view the art but donations are welcome. More information may be obtained at www.piedmontartshow.org