CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS OF THE BENTON COUNTY ARTSFEST 2024!
We had 132 entries total (45 youth, 87 adult) by 45 artists (15 youth, 30 adult).  We want to encourage everyone to participate again next year, even if you didn’t win a ribbon this year.  We have fantastic artists in Benton County and we want to provide a platform for them to showcase their talent.
(Note:  We will be uploading photos so stay tuned)
Best in Show – Royce Ratcliff “Trike”
People’s Choice (Adult) – Terri Oestmann “In Clover”
People’s Choice (Youth) – Ruby Althoff “Girl By the Beach”
Best in Category – Amateur
Dry Media:  Robert Watkins “Mr. Moth”
Photography:  Laura Huckaby “Reflections”
Mixed Media:  Jan Norberg Richardson “Elgene – 1923”
3D:  Janine Simmons “Memories”
Wet Media:  Roman Sebastian “Kolad River-West India”
Best in Category – Professional
Dry Media:  Dee Kuse “Alaina”
Photography:  Jeff Oestmann “Red Night”
Mixed Media:  Royce Ratcliff “Eye to Eye”
3D:  Kathi Gatliff “Passionately Purple”
Wet Media:  Dawn Fry “Forest Path”
Most Creative in Category – Amateur
Dry Media:  Roberta Watkins “Mr. Moth”
Photography:  Ben Kowal “Benjamin Kowal”
Mixed Media:  Tami Shope “Blue Beauty”
3D:  Janine Simmons “Sugar Fish”
Wet Media:  Shari Caridori “Blue Heron”
Most Creative in Category – Professional
Dry Media:  Dee Kuse “Memories”
Photography:  Jeff Oestmann “Afternoon Moon”
Mixed Media:  Dina Kowal “Hands to Serve”
3D:  Pam Foster “Dragonfly Fantasy”
Wet Media:  Lori Gilmore “Wednesday Night”
Artistic Excellence
Roberta Watkins “Country Memories”
Mark Gagnier “Living the Dream”
Jan Norberg Richardson “Man from Copenhagen”
Terri Oestmann “In Clover”
Shirley Rosinski “Residence in a Pot”
Honorable Mentions
Jean Marie Christian “El Shaddai God Almighty”
Lori Gilmore “The Bluffs”
Dee Kuse “Stormy”
Royce Ratcliff “Sea View”
Dina Kowal “Rosie”
Max McKenna “Fated Fall”
Benjamin Kowal “Green Wagon”
Sandra Morgan “Spring Design”
Dina Kowal “Legacy”
Terri Oestmann “In Clover”
Youth 3D (8-10 years)
1st:  Bailey Steenburgen “Be the Spirit”
2nd:  Braxtyn Whittecar “Bacteria”
3rd:  Bailey Steenburgen “Light of Hope Pocket”
Youth 3D (14-18 years)
1st Marissa Ricke “Forest Spriit”
2nd: Aleah Minks “Boi”
3rd:  Emma Binnie “Dude Where’s my Golf Ball”
Youth Photography (8-10 years)
1st:  Bell Fluty “MO State Fair”
2nd:  Bell Fluty “Extreme Fun”
Youth Photography (14-18 years)
1st:  Emma Binnie “Comic Book”
2nd:  Haleigh Barclay “Bullfrog”
3rd:  William Barclay II “Snapper”
Youth Framed (8-10 years)
1st:  Miah Noland “Flower Land”
2nd:  Miah Noland “Fire Ball:
3rd:  Shylin Ward “Cake House”
Youth Framed (11-13 years)
1st:  Jett Fluty “My Flag”
Youth Framed (14-18 years)
1st:  Ruby Althoff “Girl by the Beach”
2nd:  Aleah Minks “Green Lady”
3rd:  Ruby Althoff “The Annointed One”
Chalk Walk-Toddler (ages 2-3)
1st:  Rynleigh (Josh Davis)
Child (ages 6-9)
1st:  Shylin (Christian Ward)
2nd:  Myracle (Maurica Cross)

3rd:  Tiger (Taylor Hampton)

Pre-Teen (ages 10-13)
1st:  Bell (Shamane Fluty)
2nd:  Mason (Garry Holstein)
3rd:  Ethan (Josh Davis)
Teen (ages 14-17)
1st:  Emma Binnie
2nd:  Joey Culbertson
Adult (ages 18 up)
1st:  Marissa Ricke
2nd:  Garry Holstein
3rd:  Lavon Marchi

Experience the arts in Benton County with local artists, makers, and performers. Art contest with cash prizes, artisan demos and workshops, hands-on projects, maker market, live performances. This event is a fundraiser toward future arts events and the formation of a Benton County Arts Council. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  WWW.BENTONCOUNTYARTS.COM

ART SHOW ENTRY INFO – ADULTS

All art forms welcome. Categories: 3D art, photography, mixed media, dry media (pencil, charcoal, pastel), wet media (painting)

ART SHOW ENTRY INFO – YOUTH

All art forms welcome. Categories: 3D art, photography, framed art (may be divided into wet/dry/mixed media if there are enough entries). Age groupings are 8-10, 11-13, 14-18. 18 year olds may opt to enter adult show.

ARTISAN VENDOR AND DEMONSTRATOR APPLICATION

VENDORS: Join our artisan market full of handmade items, fine arts and crafts! Vendors are welcome from all over Missouri. Inside and outside booth options available while space allows. Food vendors also needed! 

DEMONSTRATORS: Set up in our artisan market area to demonstrate your craft and educate our attendees about the arts! You may occupy a booth at no cost if you agree not to sell any items at the event. Demonstrators are welcome from all over Missouri. Inside and outside booth options available while space allows.

WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION

Art and craft instructors are welcome from all over Missouri! Share your skill by teaching a short workshop during our scheduled hours. More information coming soon!

PERFORMER APPLICATION – MAIN STAGE 

Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have another talent you’d like to share in our celebration of the arts? Please contact the Warsaw Chamber for more information and to schedule an audition if you are interested in sharing your talent on our main stage during the event! Groups are welcome! 

WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION

Art and craft instructors are welcome from all over Missouri! Share your skill by teaching a short workshop during our scheduled hours. More information coming soon!

OPEN MIC REGISTRATION

Spoken word and music welcome! Our open mic will be at Drake Harbor Trading Co. from 1-3 pm. 

Become a sponsor and support the arts in Benton County!

VOLUNTEER SIGNUP

We will need volunteers at every station of the event – sign up for a few hours to  help our event succeed!

we want to whole-heartedly thank all of the sponsors for the amazing support of our local artists.  special thank you to the missouri arts council for the matching express grant AND TO STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR BEING OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR.


And the winners of the 2023 Benton County Arts Fest Competition are….

Best in Show
Dina Kowal – Self Reflection

People’s Choice
Max McKenna – Neytiri

Best of Category – Wet Media
Windy Place – Terri Oestmann

Best in Category – Dry Media
Self Reflection – Dina Kowal

Best in Category – Mixed Media
Peek-a-Boo – Deann Kuse

Best in Category – Photography
Hoppin’ Friends – Kay Perkins

Best in Category – 3D
The End of the Beginning – Kathi Gatliff


Most Creative in Category – Wet Media
Billy – Dawn Frye

Most Creative in Category – Dry Media
Ginger – Deann Kuse

Most Creative in Category – Mixed  Media
Traveling West – Donna Everitts

Most Creative in Category – Photography
Pixie – Kay Perkins

Most Creative in Category – 3D
Christmas Tree – Geri Choate

Artistic Excellence
I’m a Big Bowl – Kathi Gatliff
Neytiri – Max McKenna

Angel Rising – Sherrie Close

Winter Jays – Deann Kuse

Morning Burn-Off – Terri Oestmann

Honorable Mentions:
Buckeye Sunning – Jennie Ingram

Mittins – Pam Foster
Mill – Shirley Rosinski

A Boy and His Chicken – Rhonda Snyder

Butterfly Coneflowers – Rhonda Snyder

Approaching Storm – Dawn Frye

Autumn Light – Lori Gilmore

Happy Parrot – Donna Everitts

Iris – Benjamin Kowal

Starry Night – Susanne Bechtel

Youth Wet (8-10 years)
1st:  Trails to the Beach – Bell Fluty

Youth Wet (11-13 years)
1st:  Sunflower – Amelia Roberts

Youth Wet (14-17 years)
1st:  Skull – Serenity Miller

2nd:  A Moment in the Flowers – Erin Goodpaster

3rd:  Lakeside – Erin Goodpaster

Youth Dry (11-13 years)
1st:  Forest – William Barclay II

2nd:  The Meow Ruff – Saline Howry

Youth Dry (14-17 years)
1st:  Spring Rain – Ruby Althoff


2nd:  Lion of Judah – Ruby Althoff


3rd: Moana Chicken – Sara Miller

Youth Mixed Media (11-13 years)
1st:  Under the Sea – Noah Kern

2nd:  Samurai – Noah Kern

3rd:  King Strut – Noah Kern

Youth Photography (8-10 years)
1st:  Flower – Henry Adler

2nd:  Girl – Henry Adler3rd:  Boy and Girl – Henry Adler

Youth Photography (11-13 years)
1st:  Goat – Connor Roberts

2nd:  Girl – Amelia Roberts
3rd:  Duck – Amelia Roberts
Youth Photography (14-17 years)
1st:  Turtle – Sara Miller

2nd:  Daisy – Sara Miller
3rd:  Red Cardinal – Elizabeth Barclay

Youth 3D (8-10 years)
1st:  Spring Trap – Braxyton Whittecar


2nd:  Orange Kitty Plate – Bailey Steenburgen


3rd:  Monster – Braxyton Whittecar


Youth 3D (14-17 years)
1st:  The Mangle – Ashtyn Danford

2nd:  Japanese – Ashtyn Danford

3rd:  Nightmare Foxy – Ashtyn Danford

We would like to thank ALL of the Benton County artists who submitting amazing art for this year’s Benton County Arts Fest competition and exhibition.  You truly are one-of-a-kind and we are blessed to be able to hold this event for YOU and for all of the followers who support your work.  We can’t wait for 2024 to be even bigger and better!

 


 

We are excited to be expanding our Art Walk! The Benton County Arts Fest will include Street Performances, Food Trucks, Make and Take art projects, Art and Craft Vendors, Artist Swap and Shop, Art Competition, and Silent Auction.

The objectives of this event are to showcase different forms of art by our talented Benton County artists, while inspiring visitors to explore and express their own creativity. The vendor show will provide the public with an opportunity to enjoy and purchase unique handmade art and crafts, to interact with working artists in the community, and to raise the level of awareness and appreciation for the creativity of our local artisans. 

Experience the arts in Benton County with local artists, makers, and performers. Art contest with cash prizes, artisan demos, hands-on projects, maker market, live performances. This event is a fundraiser toward future arts events and the formation of a Benton County Arts Council. Entry forms and information coming soon!

Presented by Benton County Tourism & Recreation, Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, Benton County MU Extension and Dina Kowal Creative.

Benton County Arts Fest – held Saturday, June 3, 3023 from 9am-4pm
Join us for:

-A visual arts display and contest featuring artists of all ages from Benton County

-A marketplace of artisan vendors from Benton County and beyond – selling their original handwork

-A silent auction featuring items from our vendors and other local businesses

-Demonstrations and hands-on projects by local artists

-Performance areas featuring local talent

-Sidewalk chalk

-More!

All proceeds from this event will go toward future arts events like this one!

Q&A
You can find more information on each portion of our show below or by going to www.bentoncountyarts.com.
FOLLOW THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK
art show entry form (adult)
Art show entry form (youth)
ARTISAN VENDOR APPLICATION ONLINE
FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION ONLINE
PERFORMER APPLICATION PRINTABLE
OPEN MIC REGISTRATION FORM ONLINE
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
volunteer opportunities

Meet the Art Competition Judge

Dr. Meghan McClellan is an Art Historian specializing in the art of humor and 19th century photography.
She holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2017), with additional degrees
including an MA in Art History (2009), BA in Art History (2007), and an AA from Cottey College (2005). As
the lead Art History faculty at State Fair Community College since 2018, McClellan earned nominations
for Instructor of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Currently, she is researching the legacy of female artistry in
the Midwest.


We want to thank the following sponsors for supporting our artists!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

ART HEROES
ART SUPPORTERS
ART LOVERS

 


2022 CONTEST

Organized and hosted by Lynette Stokes of Benton County Tourism & Recreation, Amie Breshears of MU Extension in Benton County, and Dina Kowal Creative

The second annual Benton County Art Walk in conjunction with the Benton County Wine Stroll was held on Saturday, April 30, 2022!

The show had 3 parts:–a visual arts display and contest featuring 116 entries by artists of all ages from Benton County, judged by artist Kelsey Raines of Sedalia.–a marketplace of artisan vendors from Benton County and beyond, selling their original handiwork–a silent auction featuring items from our vendors and other local businesses

All proceeds from this event will go toward future arts events like this one!


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 art competition PRIZE WINNERS!

BEST OF SHOW:
LORI GILMORE “LAKE LIGHT” (WET MEDIA)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE:
DAWN FRYE “PURE LOVE”

CATEGORY: WET MEDIA
BEST OF CATEGORY: LORI GILMORE “LAKE LIGHT”
MOST CREATIVE: JENNIE INGRAM “BIZZY”
CATEGORY: DRY MEDIA
BEST OF CATEGORY: DINA KOWAL “GABBY”
MOST CREATIVE: RILEY WARREN “BIRTHDAY CAKE”
CATEGORY: MIXED MEDIA
BEST OF CATEGORY: STEPHANIE PATE “MOTHERHOOD”
MOST CREATIVE: ROYCE RATLIFF “IN THE STARS” (MIXED MEDIA)
CATEGORY: PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST OF CATEGORY: DESTINY BROOKSHIER “FLY OVER STATE OF MIND”
MOST CREATIVE: AMY BIGGERSTAFF “WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE”
CATEGORY: 3D ART
BEST OF CATEGORY: KATHI GATLIFF “GROW IN SPITE OF”

MOST CREATIVE: KIERSTEN GROBE “SAIL AWAY”
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE: (OVERALL, REGARDLESS OF CATEGORY)
LORI GILMORE “C HIGHWAY” (WET)
DIANN GOCHENOUR “SPRING BALL” (3D)

DINA KOWAL “SPRING FEVER” (DRY)
AMY BIGGERSTAFF “PLAYING IN THE CREEK” (PHOTOGRAPHY)
ROMAN SEBASTIAN “HIGH TIDE” (WET)
HONORABLE MENTION (OVERALL, REGARDLESS OF CATEGORY)
ROMAN SEBASTIAN “THE FOX AND THE RABBIT” (WET)

DAWN FRYE “PURE LOVE” (WET)
ROYCE RATCLIFF “KNOB TOWN” (MIXED)
KIERSTEN GROBE “WHERE DO YOU GROW” (WET)

DAWN FRYE “SPRING DAY” (WET)

WINNERS OF THE 2022 BENTON COUNTY ART COMPETITION (YOUTH):
7 AND UNDER COLORING CONTEST

1ST SHAY SHERRILL
2ND AUBRE EUFINGER
3RD BRAXTYN WHITTECAR
AGES 8-10

WET MEDIA

1ST – BELL FLUTY “LADY BUG”

PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST – HENRY ADLER “GOAT”
2ND – HENRY ADLER “SNOW”
3RD – CONNOR ROBERTS “TUBING”
AGES 11-13

WET MEDIA

1ST – SARA MILLER “WATERFALL”
2ND – SARA MILLER “COLORFUL ELEPHANT”
DRY MEDIA

1ST – SARA MILLER “WILD FOX”
PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST – AMELIA ROBERTS “RODEO”

2ND – SARA MILLER “CRANE”
3RD – AMELIA ROBERTS “CARDINAL”

3D ART

1ST – ASHTYN DANFORD “THE ROCKSTAR BAND”
2ND – JETT FLUTY “NEVER FORGET 911”

3RD – ASHTYN DANFORD “MINI ASTRONAUTS”
AGES 14-18

WET MEDIA

1ST – SELENA WORTHLEY “ABSTRACT MUSTACHE MAN”
2ND – ALEAH MINKS “BODIES ARE BEAUTIFUL”

3RD – KYLER KOVACH-REYES “A NORMAL TEEN”

DRY MEDIA

1ST – SELENA WORTHLEY “THE RYKER GUITAR”
2ND – MEGAN TENOLD “STILL LIFE”

MIXED MEDIA

1ST – CORA OELRICHS “UNTITLED”

PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST – JC MINKS “FIRE IN THE SKY”
2ND – JC MINKS “SIERRA”

3RD – JC MINKS “LAKE SERENITY”

3D ART

1 ST – ALEAH MINKS “FROG BOX”

2ND – ALEAH MINKS “FROG CUP”

We want to thank our sponsors: Jester’s House for cash prizes and Creative Palette for youth ribbons. We also want to send a special thank you to the Warsaw Boy Scout Troop #34 for the beautiful new Art Walk Panels. All proceeds from the Art Walk go back into the art community and $633 was spent toward supplies for the art panels with the Boy Scouts donating their time and knowledge.

The goal of holding art-related events is to support Benton County artists with any proceeds going back into the organizing of a Benton County Arts Council to oversee any art-related events and continue to promote the arts culture of Benton County artists. If you are interested in being on this committee board, please contact Dina Kowal, Lynette Stokes or Amie Breshears.

 


2021 WINNERS

AND HE WINNERS ARE…..

BEST OF SHOW
Janice Norberg – Red Crown Gas

PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Kiersten Grobe – Golden

3D ART
BEST OF CATEGORY
Tommie Kern – Two Pears and a Quince

MOST CREATIVE IN CATEGORY
Kathi Gatliff – Zentangled Rabbit

PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST OF CATEGORY
Marie Kersey – The Pier

MOST CREATIVE IN CATEGORY
Amy Biggerstaff – Garden Fairy

FRAMED ART
BEST OF CATEGORY
Janice Norberg – Red Crown Gas

MOST CREATIVE IN CATEGORY
Royce Ratcliff – Two

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

Dina Kowal – Where You’re Planted

Royce Ratcliff – Happy Go Lucky

Amy Biggerstaff – Bless the USA

Marie Kersey – Canyons

Kathi Gatliff – Tapestry Tray

HONORABLE MENTION

Dina Kowal – Bird Nest Necklace

Gary Frye – Wine Cellar

Dawn Frye – Summertime

Roy Hampton – Enduring Freedom

Duane Shope – Myllehouse

YOUTH PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Katy Cook – Cardinal

YOUTH 3D (11-13)

1st – Ashtyn Danford – the Rock Bears

2nd – Hali Malone – Spring Flowers

3rd – Ember Malone – Pet Lizard

YOUTH MIXED MEDIA (11-13)

1st – Katy Coonce – Flowers

YOUTH PAINTING (11-13)

1st – Katy Cook – Cardinal

2nd – Molly Strozewski – African Sunset

3rd – Sara Miller – Sunrise Over Mountains

YOUTH PAINTING (14-17)

1st – Marissa Ricke – The Girl and the Dragon

2nd – Estella Fisher – Dragon

YOUTH DRAWING (11-13)

1st – Aleah Minks – Dogs Except One Bleats Because It Is Bilingual

2nd – Aleah Minks – Post It

3rd – Sara Miller – Mythical Dragon

YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHY (8-10)

1st – Conner Roberts – Squirrel

2nd – Conner Roberts – Yellow Flower

YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHY (11-13)

1st – Amelia Roberts – Reflection

2nd – Sara Miller – Blooming Sunset

Presented by Benton County Tourism & Recreation, MU Extension in Benton County, and Dina Kowal Creative

For more information, go to the Benton County Arts website or email bentoncountyarts@gmail.com.  You can also pick up entry forms at the Warsaw Community Building – outside of the Chamber of Commerce office during regular business hours.


ARTS COUNCIL FORMING!

The goal of holding art-related events is to support Benton County artists with any proceeds going back into the organizing of a Benton County Arts Council to oversee any art-related events and continue to promote the arts culture of Benton County artists. If you are interested in being on this committee board, please contact Dina Kowal, Lynette Stokes or Amie Breshears.

For additional information, please contact us at 660-438-2090 or email lstokes@visitbentoncomo.com or bentoncountyarts@gmail.com.


Thank you to our generous cash prize sponsor Jester’s Bowling and Event Center!Thank you to our generous sponsor Creative Palette for sponsoring the youth competition!

 

MEET THE JUDGE

Michael Mac McWhirter – Artist
Born: Ironton, Mo. 1947

Michael sold his first painting to a gallery in Orlando, Fl. one day before his 16th birthday.  Since that day he has shown and sold his art and prints all across the United States.
Michael paints and draws in a wide variety of styles and mediums. The artist states, ” I change styles like most people change clothes.”  Michael Mac has had four major one-man shows in his career to date,
Heritage Gallery, Orlando, Fl.
Rochiana & Cruceler Gallery, Altamont Springs, Fl.
Graphis Gallery, N.Y, N.Y.
Rhoda Sande Gallery, N.Y, N.Y.
The artist now lives in Osage Beach, MO, has 11 children including 3 adopted children.  He is best known locally for his mural in Osage Beach City Hall. and prizes in local art events.
Mr. Mac says, ” Anyone can learn to be an artist – to paint and drew expertly. It’s all about desire, practice and observation.
You can find Michael Mac and his gallery called Mac Fine Art and Design on Facebook.