Announcing the Winners of the 40th Annual Artist Showcase, Celebrating 40 Years of Artistic Excellence in Paris and Henry County

PHCAC Events

Apr 12

The Paris-Henry County Arts Council is honored to announce the winners of the 40th Annual Artist Showcase, a milestone year that beautifully reflects the creativity, talent, and artistic spirit of our community.

This year’s exhibit features 90 works of art by 41 artists, bringing together an inspiring range of perspectives, styles, and mediums. From bold paintings to thoughtful mixed media, detailed drawings, and sculptural works, each piece offers a glimpse into the passion behind it. Walking through the gallery, it’s clear that the arts are alive and thriving in Paris and Henry County.

With such a strong and diverse body of work, selecting winners was no small task. We were honored to have Mr. Chris Nadaskey, Professor of Art at Union University, serve as this year’s judge. With more than 30 years of experience and a background spanning painting, mixed media, and sculpture, his perspective brought both depth and clarity to the judging process.

Taking home the top honor of Best of Show is The Ghost of My Son Who Never Was by Dan Knowles.

Reflecting on the exhibit, Mr. Nadaskey wrote:

“I found the artwork in this exhibition to be both engaging and creative… There are many works that show exceptional skill as well as expressive quality. I am honored to have participated in judging this exhibition. The Best of Show work is done with great skill, has beautiful textured qualities, and shows a mastery of both the medium + composition. Congratulations!”

He also shared in conversation that one of the most striking works in the show was a watercolor created by a youth artist, highlighting the strength of emerging talent this year. Speaking specifically about the Best of Show, he described it as a “top notch painting,” pointing to its use of color, rich texture, and the artist’s intentional decision to render the face with fewer dark tones, allowing it to separate from the hands and create both visual clarity and emotional impact.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Nadaskey for lending his time, expertise, and thoughtful perspective to this year’s showcase. It is truly an honor to have him be part of such a meaningful milestone year.

We invite the community to visit the W.G. Rhea Public Library and experience the exhibit in person. With so many meaningful and beautifully executed works on display, there is truly something for everyone to connect with.

We are incredibly grateful to every artist who submitted their work, to the volunteers who made this event possible, and to the continued support from our community. Celebrating 40 years of the Artist Showcase is something truly special, and this year’s exhibit is a powerful reminder of the creativity that continues to thrive right here in Paris and Henry County.

Below are the winners of the 2026 Artist Showcase.

Best In Show

🥇 Dan Knowles – The Ghost of My Son Who Never Was

Adult Division

Painting

🥇 Dan Knowles – The Ghost of My Son Who Never Was
🥈 Jennifer Russell – Drifting In and Out of Time
🥉 Dani Poe – Morning with My Mother (in oil)

Mixed Media

🥇 Susan Sombeck – The Lookout
🥈 Terry Keith – Migrating Snow Geese
🥉 Lee Owenby – Blue Dream Necklace

Drawing

🥇 Susan Sombeck – The Best In-laws
🥈 Marcia Duncan – Dark Shark
🥉 Greg Chandler – Steel Dust and Gypsy Snowed In

Sculpture

🥇 Martin Paschall – Raku
🥈 Joshua Johnson – The First Second
🥉 Sarah Cendejas – Self Portrait

Fiber

🥇 Nancy Hicks – NY Beauty Quilt
🥈 Nancy Hicks – Collage Rooster Wall Hanging
🥉 Collette Wilde – Knitted Cape

Glass

🥇 Dianne Carlisle – The Old Fence Line
🥈 Dianne Carlisle – HOA Meeting

Youth Division

Painting

🥇 Chloe Millraney – Bridge View
🥈 Chloe Millraney – Paris Landing
🥉 Heidi Langley – Swan

Mixed Media

🥇 Marley Duncan – Bottled Up Burps
🥈 Summer Perry – Soul
🥉 Sevens Clendenin – Birds Eye

Drawing

🥇 Marley Duncan – Tea Time
🥈 Lillee Poe – Self Portrait
🥉 Megan Stefanides – Helios and Selene

Sculpture

🥇 Joshlyn Pagan – Turkey Teeth
🥈 Samantha Cagle – Melted Time

Digital Art

🥇 Ezra Dienst – Plethera

Full List of Entries

Painting

Courtney Boggs – Oh Wait it is Trees, Wild Flowers, Just Flowers
Patricia Gabilondo – Serpentina’, Royal Peacock
Kathy Hanks – Dear God, The Bridge, The Ballerina
Terry Keith – Mocking The Mockingbird
Renee Leach – Purple Passion, The Iris, Swiped by Metallics
Georgia Miller – Call Me By Your Name
Lee Owenby – Harvest Time
Dani Poe – Dyslexia (in Acrylic), Watercolor Practice
Jennifer Russell – Slow It Down
Christy Sullivan Slaman – Drunk Butler, Hidden Kiss, Bruschetta
Ann Stapp – Montana Hills
Mary Wright – Bee Happy, Time to get Cool
Heidi Langley – Swan (Youth)
Chloe Millraney – Peaceful View, Paris Landing, Bridge View (Youth)
Ezra Dienst – Plethera (Youth)

Mixed Media

Dianne Carlisle – Bird Talk
Sarah Cendejas – Untitled
Patricia Gabilondo – Mischief Forthcoming
Dan Knowles – Mask 1953: The Ptoloumne Biggs Project
Tony Murray – Illusionism
Lee Owenby – Aztec Dream Necklace
Mary Troutman – The Colonel
Collette Wilde – Silver Plated Wire Wrapped Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings Set with Stones, Silver Plated Wire Wrapped Necklace and Earrings Set with Stones
Aura Chaput – Gentle Giant (Youth)
Sevens Clendenin – Birds Eye (Youth)
Marley Duncan – Sleepwalking, Bottled Up Burps (Youth)
Olivia Hart – Layered Visage, Existentialism, Equid (Youth)
I’Leia McClain – All Consuming (Youth)
Summer Perry – Soul (Youth)
Lola Van Eeden – Cringe Culture, Translators Introduction (Youth)