The Harlin Museum’s annual art show, dedicated this year to the nation’s semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), concluded with a reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, April 25, drawing artists, patrons, and community members together to celebrate creativity and national pride.
Guests in attendance enjoyed light refreshments provided by the museum’s Board of Directors as the evening highlighted standout works across multiple categories. Serving as officiant for the ceremony, Travis Smith presented honors to participating artists.
Top honors for Best of Show were awarded to Nancy L. Fennell for her piece “Patriotic Horse.” Fennell also earned first place in the American Symbols & Icons category for “Patriotic Eagle.” Second place in that category went to Tali Brinkerhoff for “American Bighorn,” while third place was awarded to Cathie McClellan for “New Coin at the Realm/Caught in a New of Not of My Device.”
In the Portraits category, Fennell continued her strong showing with a first-place finish for “John Hancock Signing the Declaration of Independence.” This is also the painting that won the People’s Choice award. Robb Cox took second place with “Raising Old Glory,” followed by Lonnie Meuser in third with “Selfie 2.0.”
The Landscapes category was led by Lee Copen, who captured both first and second place with “Long Way Home” and “Cotton Fields.” Third place went to McClellan for “Purple Mountains Majesties.”
Several artists also received honorable mentions, including Jim McBride for “Resting,” Fennell for “McDonald Lake, MT,” Meuser for “Beehaven,” and Copen for both “Crossing to Pine Point” and “Evening at Alley.”
The event marked a successful close to the exhibition, with attendees and participants alike celebrating both artistic achievement and community spirit. Organizers noted that the evening was enjoyed by all who attended.
