The juror this year is nationally recognized painter, Isabel Forbes. Raised in Spartanburg, S.C., Forbes draws from a successful career in graphic design and illustration, coupled with a bachelor of fine arts degree from Florida’s Ringling College of Art & Design. Her artwork is included in the collections of Hallmark Cards, Inc.; First Federal Bank, Charleston, S.C.; and many private collections. Forbes is actively involved in the guild and other arts organizations and contributes her talent and artwork to students and the community with passion and humility.

Several awards will be given to winning students at the Awards Ceremony on ArtWalk night. First prize of $200 is sponsored by Isabel Forbes, in memory and honor of her dear friend and colleague, artist Mary Ellen Suitt. Second prize is $75, third prize is $50, fourth prize is $35, and two honorable mention awards will be presented for $25 each.

There will also be a photography award for $50, sponsored by Thomas Tucker, and one art teacher will be honored with the David Benson “Service in Art Education” Award, which is sponsored by Beverly Knight.

Honorable mention awards are sponsored by the families of Susan West and Tom Willis, in honor and memory of their past service as art educators to high school students.

The exhibit is free to the public and will be open March 8-27. The awards ceremony and reception will be held on Thursday, March 21, during ArtWalk, at the Guild Gallery, 6-9 p.m., with the Awards Ceremony to commence at 7 p.m.

For more information, please call executive director Robin Els at 864-764-9568.

– article submitted by Steve Wong