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A Tradition of Excellence

Madison Art Club regional show
returns for 11th year

Nationally recognized painter
Carter to serve as judge

Lela Jane Bradshaw
Contributing Writer

(September 2010) – When the Madison Art Club began in 1949, the founders had a plan for the future. Elle Smith explains that the initial group of artists had a motto that each year they would have a bigger and better show. “We try to uphold that dream.” Over the years. the format of the art exhibition has evolved and changed, but club members have that goal of expansion and improvement at the front of their minds.

John Michael Carter

Photo provided

John Michael Carter
of Louisville will
judge this year's show.

The 11th annual Madison Art Club Competition and Exhibition will run from Sept. 19 through Oct. 8 at the gallery at 301 East Main St. The exhibit has become a showcase for artists from across the region. Show chairman Smith explains that the contest attracts entrants from as far away as Maryland saying, “This is not just a local show.”
Last year’s show featured approximately 150 entrants in categories including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, and other media.
This year the club is particularly excited to have attracted nationally renowned landscape and portrait painter John Michael Carter to serve as the show’s judge. “Our judge this year is a very distinguished judge and artist,” says Smith. Carter’s works have been recognized for their excellence by the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, the Hoosier Salon, and Indiana Heritage Arts.
His portraits have received awards in international competition, and his commissions have included United States Senators, Governors, and university presidents. Carter is also gifted at capturing childhood moments in his work and many parents have sought out his talents as a way of preserving special memories.
Over the years Carter has shared his talents not only through exhibitions across the country, but also through teaching fellow artists. In addition to 10 years teaching drawing and painting for the University of Kentucky at Jefferson Community College, he has also presented workshops for the Scottsdale Artist School, the Dallas Arts League, and the Arts Club of Cincinnati.
It was after a Madison Art Club member took lessons with Carter that discussions began about inviting the artist to Madison. Lillie Wingham, a Madison Art Club member for 30 years, was particularly impressed with the “individual attention” Carter gave each artist in the class. “He was just very helpful,” she says of Carter’s instruction.
She describes the artist moving from student to student and working personally with each painter. As soon as word spread throughout the club that the respected artist and popular teacher would be presenting a workshop in Madison, the slots quickly filled. “We now have a waiting list,” says Smith of artists still hoping an additional place might open up.
Like the founders of the Madison Art Club, members today have their own ideas for the future. The club continues to work to bring in members from across the region.
Members are also active in promoting the history and landscape of southern Indiana to artists in order to attract artists to the area. “We really want Madison to grow as an arts center,” says Smith.

• For more information, visit: www.MadisonArtClub.com.

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