The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) has opened its 2024 Juried Art Competition and Exhibition to the public at the Merkle and Price Galleries located in El Dorado, Arkansas. 

 

This year’s exhibition features an impressive selection of 42 pieces by 33 artists from across the country, offering a diverse showcase of talent. To celebrate these artists, SAAC will host a reception on Saturday, July 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with an award presentation at 6:30 p.m.

 

David Houston, the executive director and chief curator of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi, Mississippi, served as the juror for this year’s competition. Houston has curated a collection that highlights the artistic excellence of participants from various states, including Arkansas, New York, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Georgia, Missouri and Alabama. 

 

Notably, 14 of the featured artists hail from Arkansas.

 

The exhibition encompasses a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including charcoal, acrylics, oil, photography and video. From traditional fine art to contemporary mixed media, the exhibition promises to captivate both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers.

 

“We are thrilled to bring this exhibition to our community,” SAAC’s visual arts committee chairperson, Katherine McDonald said. “David Houston’s expertise has resulted in an outstanding selection of artworks that showcase the talents of artists from across the country. We invite everyone to come and experience this incredible exhibit for themselves.”

 

The Juried Art Competition, open to artists nationwide 18 and older, features works in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional fine arts media. One standout piece selected by the juror will be purchased by SAAC to join their permanent collection, thanks to the Annual Purchase Award funded by an endowment from the family of Wilma Riley, in honor of her commitment to the arts and the community.

 

Attendees are also encouraged to cast their votes for The People’s Choice Award, the only award determined by the viewing public. During the reception, over $2,000 in prize money will be awarded by David Houston for best of show, first through third place, honorable mention and the purchase award.

 

The exhibition will be on display in the Price and Merkle Galleries through July 23 and is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Juried Art Competition Exhibition or the awards reception, contact the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.