Eighty artists entered nearly 200 pieces for consideration for the 36th annual Prairie Art Exhibition, what Juror Claudia True calls “a true cultural gem in central Kansas.” True chose 126 pieces, representing 61 artists, to be included in the exhibition. “Sterling should be proud to offer this quality and variety of art to its community,” said True.

The exhibition is housed in Sterling College’s Heritage Hall on the third floor of Cooper Hall. The College has provided space for the Prairie Art Exhibition since its inception in 1974. The exhibition runs through Sunday, April 11, and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

Two Sterling College faculty members, Art Department Chair William Morse and Associate Professor of Art Dave Harmon, and one student, senior Bonnie Windle, have work in the show. The majority of the artists in the show are from Great Bend, Hutchinson, McPherson, Sterling, and Wichita, and all the artists represented live in Kansas. Most of the art is available for sale.

Donna Brigman of Hutchinson won “Best of Show” for her acrylic “Midnight in the Garden.” First through third places were awarded to Douglas Towbridge of Hutchinson, first, for his acrylic “Art of the Fly”; Alice Mattson of Sterling, second, for her sculpture “Clever Blackbirds Do a Rain Dance”; and Angie Schafer of McPherson, third, for her mixed media “Copper Vista.” Nine merit awards were also given.

“It’s been my pleasure to enjoy the excellent pieces of work submitted for this show,” said Juror True. “The variety of media and styles is impressive. Viewers are sure to be inspired by the art. Enjoy!”