A PLEASANT SURPRISE

July 29, 2019  First Place Award in the Lynn Thomas Memorial Art Exhibit at the Sublette County (WY) Fair.

I entered a few paintings in the Sublette County Fair art show (which is a memorial show for an artist named Lynn Thomas, whom everyone who knew her loved.  I unfortunately never met her.). One of my former students, and fellow painter, from Big Piney asked me to submit work several years ago and I wanted to support her efforts organizing the show back then, so I have entered each year since, but never gone there for the event.  So I get an email two days before the reception telling me that I won first place!  I thought it would be fun, and a sign of respect and gratitude, to go to the reception, which I hadn’t planned on attending. My husband and I drove down there (1 1/2 hours away through beautiful Wyoming landscapes) and were so impressed with the quality of the art show, and the welcoming atmosphere as well. The draw was region wide. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting the talent, organization and audience that this show received in a county of just 7,000 citizens.  The event had some impressive sponsors, including the National Endowment for the Arts.  Along with a handshake, came a nice check and a beautiful hand made ceramic plaque to commemorate First Place. A good lesson in keeping your mind open to big and small.

The painting is ORANGE SPRING MOUND  study, watercolor on gold shikishi board, 7′ x 10″  (still available!)  It was a study for a commission earlier this year.  The subject is a geyser in Yellowstone and was quite a challenge.