a PHC Arts COuncil Event

The Artist Showcase

A multi-media art competition for artists located in and around Paris-Henry County. Entries are displayed at the Rhea Public Library for a multi-day viewing, with a public awards ceremony to honor award winners.

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Our Annual Event

The 40th Annual Artist Showcase

When: April 12th — 24th

Where: W.G. Rhea Public Library

Address: 400 W Washington St, Paris, TN 38242

Applicants: Youth (14-17) and Adult (18+)

Award Ceremony: April 12th from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM at W.G. Rhea Library

Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Attendance: 150+

# of Artists: 100+

Ceramics
Drawing
Fiber
Mixed Media
Painting
Sculpture
Glass
Digital Art

For both Amateurs and Professionals

Artists Enter Here

Show off your creativity and earn big by submitting your work! You can enter up to 3 pieces in any combination of categories with an entry fee of $15 per piece (students entry is FREE). Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and People’s Choice in all categories.

Printable Entry Form

Official Entry Rules

CRITERIA: Original artwork will be accepted in the following categories, must be completed within the last two years, not have previously been shown in this event, and suitable for public viewing.

Ceramics — original clay and porcelain work
Drawing — chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, inks, pen, or brush
Fiber — leather, paper, embroidery, weaving, tapestry
Mixed Media — 2D & 3D works incorporating more than one type of physical material
Digital Art (or New Media) — artwork in which technology is an essential part of the creative or presentation process, such as 3D printed sculptures, digital paintings, vector art.
Painting — oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Sculpture — three-dimensional original work created in any single media, including wood
Glass — any artwork created primarily with glass

FEES: With an entry fee of $15 per piece, each artist may enter up to three pieces in any combination of categories. ***For students, entry is FREE.

LENGTH OF DISPLAY: Artwork must remain on display for the duration of the showcase. Artists may not remove their own pieces.

REQUIREMENTS:

Framed & Wired: 2D Artwork must be framed and ready to hang with a secure hanging wire. If the hanging fails, the artwork will be removed from the show.
Display Stand: 3D Artwork should include a display stand if needed.
Properly Labeled: The following must be on the back of each framed piece of artwork and at the bottom of 3-D pieces of artwork: Name, Phone, Title, Medium, $ Price to Sell or NFS (Not For Sale). Phone numbers will be included on the display card for items being sold.

DROP-OFF: Artwork must be dropped off at the Rhea Public Library and checked in by a Paris-Henry County Arts Council volunteer at a designated time. To ensure we have an adequate number of volunteers available, artists will select their desired drop-off time when completing the Entry Form.

Tuesday, April 7th: 3:00pm — 7:00pm
Wednesday, April 8th: 9:00am — 12:00pm
Thursday, April 9th
- 9:00am — 12:00pm
- 12:00pm — 3:00pm
- 3:00pm —7:00pm
Friday, April 10th
- Schedule drop off by contacting us at 731-333-3254

PICK-UP: You may pick up your artwork on Saturday, April 25th or Monday, April 27th during regular library hours. If you are unable,please contact us here. Any work left after this time will become the property of the Arts Council to be donated to benefit a local Arts group.

introducing

Our 2026 Judge

Chris Nadaskay

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to this year’s judge, Christopher Nadaskay, Professor of Art at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, where he has served for more than 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Arkansas University and a Master of Fine Arts from Texas A&M Commerce, with a focus in painting and mixed media. His work spans watercolor, oils, acrylics, sculpture, and mixed media, and he is currently exploring the relationship between technology, the human experience, and the created order. His work is held in several collections, including the Tennessee State Museum, and we are truly honored to have his expertise guiding this year’s awards.