I wrote about the Muleshoe Art Association’s show in 2011 (“Deja Vu at the Art Show,” April 27, 2011); this year I decided to enter-and won! The first art show story was about Reagan Cox’s interpretation of one of my Kilimanjaro pictures. I chose another image from my trip to Africa to enter myself, this one of a Massai girl and baby, and the judge, Jan Lloyd, liked it and gave it a blue ribbon in the miscellaneous category. Unlike the popular artists’ mediums of watercolor, oils, pastels, and acrylics, photography is lumped together with pen and ink, ceramics, charcoal, and any other medium chosen to work with. Needless to say, I was tickled to death when I walked in after the judging and saw the blue ribbon. Lots of talent was on display, and I appreciated the recognition of having something blue-ribbon worthy. Let me highlight some of the other winners and notable work on display.
Best of show was this watercolor by Joy Simmon from Clovis, New Mexico. These orange poppies by Terry Watson from Clovis did not receive a ribbon, but was one of my personal favorites. This lovely portrait by Jackie Hinderliter of Clovis was given an honorable mention.
Reagan Cox’s view of the Farwell grain elevators won an honorable mention.
And Reagan’s street scene of New Orleans also earned an honorable mention. Yes, I know the ribbons aren’t the same color, but they are both honorable mention.
Lois Snyder from Clovis received an honorable mention and was also the Muleshoe State Bank’s choice for the Purchase Award, the painting the bank buys each year and hangs in the bank. This one will grace the walls of Dusty Clayton’s office.
Pauline Clark’s “Pink Geraniums” won first place in the oils division.
Muleshoe artist Pat Prater’s adobe and this vase of flowers from Marie Tidwell of Clovis both caught my eye. The ribbon winners will be on display for a time in the lobby of Muleshoe State Bank if you missed the show and would like to see the winners. The art association’s show is always held in April and always located in the meeting room at Muleshoe State Bank. Admission is free and refreshments are always on hand. And something to consider: you don’t have to be a member of the association to enter, so if you have something you’ve done and would like to show off, take it down and see what happens. Next April when we are battling cold winds and dirt storms again-one hit during opening day this year-and you need a ray of sunshine and color, visit the show. You will come away relaxed, smiling, and impressed at the local talent on display.  For a complete list of winners, go to www.gillambadvertising.com or the Muleshoe Journal newspaper.