Big Stone Gap, VA. The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, celebrates the work of area artists by presenting the True Art Showcase & Children’s Contest in the museum from Sept. 17 through Oct. 11.
True Art was named in honor of James True, the first curator of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. This year, the True Art Showcase presents over 115 displays of adult and children’s art throughout the museum.
Work from the following artists will be on display during True Art Pam Smith, Big Stone Gap; Paul Miller, Dryden; Kevin Smith, Big Stone Gap; Eisley Tate, Big Stone Gap; Chuck Mullins, Norton; Julie Gamble, Lee County; Ray Moore, Big Stone Gap; Carol Moore, Big Stone Gap and Susan Mullins, Wise. The museum also displays some reproduction prints from James True. These prints were sent by True’s granddaughter, Gina True Hudson. Additional paintings from some of True’s former students are on display in the museum as well.
Students from grades K-12 were asked to submit entries reflecting this year’s theme “Scenery of Southwest Virginia.”
The winners in each category are:
Grades 9-12
First Place: Rachelle Bright, Union High School
Second Place: Hunter Stevens, Union High School
Third Place: Kaitlyn King, Lee High School
Honorable Mention: Marissa Meade, Wise County Christian
Grades 6-8
First Place: Chloe Willis, Lee High School
Second Place: Madison Thacker, L.F. Addington Middle School
Grades 3-5
First Place: Emaline Bates, L.F Addington Middle School
Second Place: Brayden Addington, L.F. Addington Middle School
Third Place: Chase Scott, L.F. Addington Middle School
Grades K-2
First Place: Bentley Goforth, Flatwoods Elementary
Second Place: Nataylin Molly, Wise County Christian
Third Place: Parker Taylor, Wise County Christian
True Art is on display in the museum Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Regular admission rates apply: Adults $5, Children 6-12 $3, Under 6 free. Group rates are available.
For more information about the True Art Showcase & Children’s contest, call the park at 276-523-1322.
