The Taylor County Arts Council has announced the winners of its 28th Annual Thea Porter Memorial Day Juried Art Exhibit, now on display at Gallery 62 West in Grafton, West Virginia, through June 2. Top honors in the adult division went to Kristen Colebank for her watercolor "First Light," with Charlie Cowger and others also receiving awards; in the youth division, Katherine DeMos took first place for "Rad Grandad." The exhibit features diverse mediums including drawings, paintings, and sculptures, with a People's Choice Award still open for public voting until the closing reception on May 30.
This annual juried showcase is the Taylor County Arts Council's only such event of the year, highlighting local artistic talent and fostering community engagement with the visual arts in rural West Virginia. The cash prizes and recognition for both adult and youth artists underscore the council's commitment to supporting emerging and established creators, while the People's Choice component actively involves the public in the exhibition process, strengthening local cultural ties.