Rod Brand, Battle Days Art Show co-chairman, said the art show adds variety to an already great festival for the community of Point Pleasant.
“The art show is just to have something for people with an interest in art, and it gives something for people that aren’t necessarily interested in history something to do, see or participate in at the festival,” Brand said. “It is another attraction for people that attend the festival to see.”
Brand said the art show began 14 years ago when the Battle Days planning committee contacted him and asked him to form and put an art show together for the festival.
“Someone decided that they should have an art show for the Battle Days weekend, and since I know art, they asked me,” he added.
Brand said that since the art show’s start, different categories have been added, such as wood carving. Organizers hope to further expand the art show in the future.
“Currently, the art show is for both professional and amateur artists ages 18 and up. High school kids can’t participate, so I think it would be nice for area high school teachers to one day have an art show at the festival that features the work of their students,” he said.
According to Brand, the art show usually has about 200-300 people registered that view the pieces and exhibits and usually anywhere from 15-30 amateur and professional artists that participate. Brand sends out brochures of information about the Battle Days Art Show to about 50 or 60 artists in the tri-state area each year. An art teacher from the tri-state area serves as a judge for the show each year as well.
Brand also mentioned that this year he is very pleased because he has more help in planning the show thanks to Jason and Rhea Knight of Letart, his co-chairs. Rhea is a professional artist as well, and before she began helping with the show, she was an active participant.
“This will be their fourth year helping with the show, and I am very glad that they are now working with me as co-chairs,” Brand added.
Brand said he enjoys organizing the Battle Days Art Show for the artists and the public.
“It is intriguing and interesting to hear people (that visit the show) comment about pieces and hear comments that they make to each other, like what they are voting for as the people’s choice award,” he said.
“Overall, it adds variety and is a really fun thing for the public to do at the festival. It is just another occasion to take part in the community...the three of us (Brand and the Knights) really enjoy it,” he added.
There is no admission charge for the Battle Days Art Show. The show is open to all professional and amateur adult artists 18 and older in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
The show will be judged, and awards include cash, engraved plaques and rosette ribbons. Ribbons for first, second and third place as well as honorable mention for each category will be presented. A People’s Choice Award also will be given.
Categories for the show include oil/acrylic, watercolor, wood carving and other mixed media, such as pastels, charcoal, pencil and ink.
All items must be ready to hand when entered, and table space will be provided for wood carvings if needed. Artists are limited to four pieces each. The last day for artists to enter the show is Thursday, Oct. 4 by noon.
Artists who would like to enter but have not been contacted may call Brand at (304) 675-2977.
Post a Comment
