Mercy Tanner captured top honors at the inaugural High School Juried Art Exhibition, hosted recently by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and the Owensboro Art Guild. The exhibit will remain open through the end of next week.
Tanner’s watercolor painting, titled Grammie and Papa’s House, stood out among 58 selected works on display, which were chosen from more than 100 submissions across six Daviess County high schools. The exhibit, which opened with a public reception and awards ceremony on April 27, highlights young artists’ creativity in a professional-style juried show.
Tanner earned both the “Best in Show” award, selected by juror Jamie Dewitt, and the “Owensboro Art Guild Members’ Choice Award,” which was voted on by members of the Art Guild.
She said her piece was inspired by the importance of family during difficult times.
“My inspiration for the piece was how special family is,” Tanner said. “When you are going through grief, uncertainty, and other hardships, having people to bring light into your life is important.”
Tanner, who has practiced art throughout her life, said she spent considerable time during COVID-19 honing her watercolor techniques.
“I’m very grateful to be awarded with these titles, but the small steps you take every day are just as important as the end goal,” she said.
She credited her mother for helping her bring the painting to life by taking reference photos of her grandparents’ home. Tanner also expressed gratitude to her art teacher, Rhonda McEnroe, for encouraging her growth as an artist.
“I’m thankful for my mother who helped me come up with the idea for painting my Grammie and Papa’s house and took lots of reference photos for me,” Tanner said. “I’m also extremely grateful for Rhonda McEnroe for teaching me the many rules of traditional watercolor and encouraging me to go outside my comfort zone.”
Tanner said the support she receives from those inspired by her art keeps her motivated.
“The people who are inspired by my art keep me doing it every day, and I hope to make an impact,” she said.
The High School Juried Art Exhibition is intended to mirror professional art competitions, giving students real-world experience while celebrating their talents. More than $2,000 in merit prizes were awarded during the ceremony.
The exhibition will remain open through May 9 at OMFA, running alongside the 63rd Annual Owensboro Art Guild Juried Exhibition. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. More information is available at omfa.us or by calling 270-685-3181.