Toni Hopper
DUNCAN — Duncan artists seem to enjoy just being artists. The majority of those in the Duncan Art Guild paint for their own enjoyment and do not have works displayed in galleries.
An annual show held each fall gives them a chance to earn awards and sell their work, said Lou Baggett, longtime member and art show coordinator.
“We don’t normally make money on this. It’s more of a show for the artists,” she said.
“I don’t pursue putting my work out there in galleries. I would like to be able to do a show now and then. This one works well this way.”
Last year, Baggett received a second place for one of her paintings and her daughter also took Best of Show. This year, the show has more than 100 entries from 50 artists, not all of them are members of the Guild.
“We have a big show and we have several artists that are well known that enter, like Marty Childers,” said Leigh Vinson, who handles public relations for the organization.
“We have some really good art. A lot of our artists are not that big into galleries, but this is a chance to show their work,” Baggett said.
And new this year is the location of the show. It will be held at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, which has been designated as a Top 10 Western museum in the nation, by True West Magazine.
Art entries are not limited to western lifestyle though. There will be a range of media, style and subjects. Baggett said photography has dominated this year’s entries, with artists from throughout the state. Most of the artists that enter the show are local.
History of the show dates back more years than either Baggett or Vinson can remember. It also has been held in numerous locations.
Baggett said that probably 30 years ago, it was held in the old Ward Mall, now known as the Chisholm Mall. After the Simmons Center was built, the show was held there for years and featured large works. It was moved to a free location at Duncan Regional Hospital and the decision was made to downsize the show, limiting entries to no larger than 11-inches by 14-inches.
This is the third year for the Miniature Show, but Baggett said, there could be a possibility in the future it will open up again to larger pieces.
Guild members are excited about having the show in the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.
“It is amazing how many good artists are in our area,” said Cova Williams, museum coordinator.
“It is our pleasure to be a part of the local art community and we also like changing exhibits so our patrons always have something different to add to their experience at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.”
Artists will bring in their entries on Thursday, based on their applications submitted to the Guild over a month ago. Members will display the show in its lobby and Blue Room. Visiting the show will still be free, since it will be located in the area prior to the actual museum exhibits.
“It’s a chance to show your work and have other people come and look. You (the artist) get to visit with everybody, show them what we have in Duncan. We have some amazing talent ... Janet Loveless, BJ Archer, Jolene Forbes,” Baggett said. “I have been to other shows, but I thought ours was 10 times better.”
A reception for the artists will be held Friday. The show opens to the public Saturday and Sunday. Judge this year is Duncan professional artist Gay Faulkenberry, who is president of the Plein Air Painters of America.
“We are pleased to be able showcase this talent whether it is a single artist such as Gay Faulkenberry, a small group (we are currently showing the Chisholm Trail Wood Carvers) or a large show such as the art guild,” Williams said.
Guild officers are Mark Slagle, president; Barbara Nelson and Jolene Forbes, co-vice president; Jean Rich, secretary; Colleen Robinson, treasurer; John Bailey, historian; Neta Kelly, hospitality; and Marty Childers, parliamentarian.
