Celebration of the Arts Brings Creativity to Main Street
The Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild (also known as “The Guild”) took its annual Celebration of the Arts in an exciting new direction this year—by bringing the show to the heart of downtown during the Hilltop Fall Festival.
Instead of the traditional exhibit at The Foundation, Guild members decided to “bring the art to the people.” The result was a lively outdoor display right outside the Guild’s Main Street gallery, where more than 524 festivalgoers stopped to view the artwork, and nearly 300 visitors came inside the gallery—many discovering it for the first time.
“We wanted to meet people where they already gather,” said Terri, Gallery Coordinator at The Guild. “The best reward was seeing so many friends and neighbors stop in. It amazed me how many people who live in Ruff’ton didn’t even know we existed.”
Following the show, artists, members, and guests gathered for a joyful awards reception filled with food, refreshments, and community spirit. The Guild extended thanks to all who supported the event and to judge Suzanne Camarata for sharing her expertise in selecting this year’s winners.
The Guild was proud to see these talented artists win awards:
- Best of Show: “Thunder in the Dark” by Irena Kelso
- 2D Awards
- 1st Place: “Peaceful” by Wendy Bandariz
- 2nd Place: “Through the Trees” by Karen Tandy
- 3rd Place: “Sunset at Second Beach” by Tom Phelps
- Merit Award: “Taking a Break” by Katherine Doyle
- 3D Awards
- 1st Place: “Dinner Time” by Bernard Edwards
- 2nd Place: “Segmented Bowl” by Chris Bucy
- 3rd Place: “Fetch” by Bernard Edwards
- Merit Award: “Carolina Spring Tea Set” by Charlie King
Last year’s Celebration was washed out by Hurricane Helene, so this year, The Guild was determined to show up again, albeit differently.
“This year’s Celebration wasn’t just about art on display—it was about connection, creativity, and the community we’re building together,” said Amanda Maishman, Board President of The Guild.
To see more photos and highlights from the 2025 Celebration of the Arts, visit https://www.facebook.com/rocoartguild. Visit the Gallery Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Fridays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Explore classes for all ages in the downstairs studios at https://www.rcartguild.com/art-classes.
