The Barns of Highland County, a juried art show being hosted by the Highland County Historical Society later this summer, is looking for all types of artwork depicting the county’s barns.
The idea for the contest came quite by accident, according to Avery Applegate, a historical member helping organize the show.
Applegate said that two years ago she helped organize an exhibit of Dettwiller family artwork that was a success, then last summer she hosted a home tour. She was looking for something new for the society’s Highland House Museum to have on display during the Festival of the Bells in Hillsboro when she remembered a painting she has of a Highland County barn likely painted in the mid 1990s by Joe Smith.
“Since I have this barn painting that I look at every day and absolutely love, I thought why not Barns of Highland County?” Applegate said.
She said that then she started seeing stories in The Times-Gazette about Highland County barns painted by former Cincinnati area dentist Robert Kroeger, then learned some other historical society members were planning agriculture-related events year, and decided her idea would fit in well.
It will be a juried art show that will be on display in the Highland House Museum from June 24 through the end of July.
All mediums of art will be accepted – drawings, paintings, photography, woodworking, fabric arts, ceramics, assemblages, etc. – but the artist must be able to give the specific address of the barn art being submitted and the location must be within Highland County.
Artists may enter up to three pieces. The entries must be received by the historical society by June 6. They can be submitted as digital images or photographs.
The entries must then be dropped off at the museum on June 17. There is a $10 entry fee for historical society members and a $20 entry fee for non-members.
Only two awards will be presented – an Overall Best of Show that will be determined by judges, and a People’s Choice Award. Judging for that award will take place the first weekend of the show.
On June 24, the society will host a Friday night opening for the show with a cash bar and possibly music. Visitors can vote that night and the following Saturday and Sunday when the museum is open from 1-4 p.m.
Works must be ready to hang or display complete with framing, wires, or whatever device it takes to show the work in its best light, Applegate said.
If you are an artist or artisan who has created artwork featuring a particular Highland County barn or barns and would like to submit entries to the show, contact Applegate at 393-4345 for more information. Entry form packets can be obtained from Applegate or be picked up at the Acme Art Factory, 136 W. Main St., or from the Highland House Museum, 151 E. Main St., both in Hillsboro. You can also call 393-3392 for information.
“We look forward to seeing what wonderful works come our way and wish all artists the best of luck in the jury process,” Applegate said.
Reach Jeff Gilliland at 937-402-2522 or on Twitter @13gillilandj.
