The historic Hearst Church in Pinos Altos is the seasonal gallery for the Grant County Art Guild and the location for the Guild's annual Purchase Prize Show. Come for the art and the history is a bonus!"The Enduring West" is the chosen theme for the Grant County Art Guild's 33rd annual Purchase Prize Show. This much-anticipated show draws entries from across the state of New Mexico and opens with a gala reception on Tuesday, September 25, at 5:30 p.m. The opening reception is a special time to view wonderful art, visit with friends and the participating artists. You are invited to enjoy some enticing refreshments, too! The judge of the show, award-winning Arizona artist Barbara Mulleneaux will be there to talk about why she has chosen the winners in each division and also to critique other entries. This exciting exhibit of fine art will also be available for viewing for two extended weekends following the opening reception. Those dates are September 28-29-30 and October 5-6-7-8. The gallery is open to the public from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.
This annual Purchase Prize Show is always one that brings in both local art and that from as far away as Las Vegas, NM, and Santa Fe. The coveted Best of Show is purchased for $1,500, which over the years of the show has been a strong draw for exceptional art. There are also ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings (pen/ink, conte crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel) and photography. There are also cash prizes for first place in each category as well as "People's Choice" and the "Award of Excellence." A major change in the show this year was addition of a category of photography and the entries are spectacular! We have removed the age requirement and young artists have been invited to enter! Those coming to the gallery to view the Purchase Prize Show will also be pleased to find that the work of our crafters is still available, although not being judged or considered part of the show.
The Grant County Art Guild was formed in 1968 to provide a bond between people sharing an interest in fine arts and crafts. That tradition continues as the Guild celebrates its 50th year in 2018! With a mission of art education and promoting art for young and old, grants have been given to art teachers in the area schools as well as featuring art from their classrooms in our gallery. The seasonal home for the Guild's Pinos Altos Gallery in the historic Hearst Church gives members the opportunity to show and sell their work. For the annual Purchase Prize Show and some other special shows, non-member artists are invited to join in the exhibits.
Mark your calendars now! September 25th at 5:30 p.m. is the opening reception for the Grant County Art Guild's Purchase Prize Show at the Pinos Altos Art Gallery, 14 Golden Avenue. Whether you are an artist or just love art and all that the galleries have to offer, this is an event filled with art, artists, food and fun. You are invited and a memorable evening guaranteed.