With the ongoing construction of the second floor of the Buchanan Center for the Arts in Downtown Monmouth, classes and shows have expanded out into the local communities. Recently, the winners of the 57th Annual Town and Country Art Show were announced for students in grades 6 through 12, which is on display in the Clear Profits Building at 227 South Main Street, informs Executive Director Ann Tenold:
“This year we had 87 pieces form all three county schools. Our judge was Amy Buban, who graduated from Monmouth College in Art. We were able to give 18 cash awards for the Best in Shows. You can can see that show all the way through April 9th after school from 3 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday,” says Tenold.
“The past few years we have had so many entries that we had to divide up the grades. What is going to be great is that next year when we are open for this show, now that we will have two floors, we will be able to have the Town and Country kindergarten through 12 every year,” Tenold adds.
Upcoming events with the Buchanan Center for the Arts include a bus trip to Bishop Hill, a photography walk in Downtown Monmouth, and an artist talk in Aledo. For all details on events, search Buchanan Center for the Arts on Facebook.
courtesy of the Buchanan Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Congratulations to the Buchanan Center for the Arts 57th Town & Country Art Show 2026 Award winners!
Viewing hours are 3-5pm Monday-Friday at Clear Profits, 227 S. Main Street.
YOUNGBLOOD AWARDS – For artistic promise and potential
6th-8th Grade
WINNER: Hayven Rundle “A Cracked Rib,” Immaculate Conception School
9th-12th Grade
WINNER: Madilyn Sandlin “The Sun’s Shadow,” Mercer County High School
GRACE BUCHANAN AWARDS – For best use of medium
Watercolor
WINNER: Kaylee Dale “Dragonfly Wings,” Mercer County High School
Oils
WINNER: Brylee Mills “Komorebi,” Mercer County High School
Pastels
WINNER: Fox Nelson “Where Does the River Lead to?” Monmouth-Roseville High School
Printmaking
WINNER: Becky Juan-Mayes “Smoothie Time,” Monmouth-Roseville Junior High School
Pen, Ink, Pencil
WINNER: Nicole Olivas-Guillen “Reflections of Yesterday,” Monmouth-Roseville High School
Sculpture
WINNER: Junior Mendoza “Flamingo,” Monmouth-Roseville High School
Acrylic
WINNER: Claire Reynolds “Sunset,” Monmouth Roseville High School
Photography
WINNER: Hayley Yenor “Bearing Weight,” Mercer County High School
Mixed Media
WINNER: Emalyn Millar “Goliath Beetle Diptych,” Mercer County High School
Ceramic
WINNER: Matthew Goff “Strange Voices,” West Central High School
BEST OF DIVISION – For overall outstanding artwork within age group
6th Grade – 8th Grade
WINNER: Angie Cole “River Sunset,” Central Intermediate School
9th Grade – 12th Grade
WINNER: Roegan Sprinkle “Embers in Silk,” Monmouth-Roseville High School
SUSAN TWOMEY INNOVATION AWARD – For creativity, unique perspective, and artwork that stands out among a sea of artwork and shows tremendous promise within the entire exhibition.
WINNER: Ella Hodges “Shell Study,” Mercer County High School
KATHY LOWE-ARTHUR AWARD – Awarded to one junior high student for outstanding artwork.
WINNER: Alexia Miller “The Peaceful Bird,” Central Intermediate School
JOHN OHLER DRAWING AWARD – Awarded to one student for unique/mature artwork and execution of technique for his/her age
WINNER: Deborah Nawn “Black & White,” Monmouth-Roseville High School
BEST OF SHOW – For overall outstanding artwork within the entire exhibition, Sponsored by AAUW
WINNER: Kyler Bennett “Dawn,” Monmouth-Roseville High School
Artist credit: Kyler Bennett “Dawn,” Monmouth-Roseville High School
