&ldquo\;The Winter Art Show is a community tradition and a chance for artists of all media to be recognized\,&rdquo\; according to Mary Deichert\, gallery manager at The Matthews. &ldquo\;It is an opportunity to showcase the great talent we have in our area. An added bonus is that many times we find new gallery artists during this show. We encourage artists of all ages to either stop in the gallery to get an application\, or go to our website and download the form.&rdquo\;
\n \;\n\nThis popular event is open to any artist\, amateur or professional\, who wishes to participate. The categories are divided by age ranges from pre-Kindergarten\, grade school\, high school\, through adults. Show registration is not limited to geographical location.
\n \;\n\nDeichert adds\, &ldquo\;This year we have lowered the application fee in several categories in order for more students to be able to submit their work. Even better\, we&rsquo\;ve increased the cash prize in the Best of Show and High School categories!&rdquo\;
\n \;\n\nCash prizes are awarded to first place in each age category. Other cash awards are Best of Show and People&rsquo\;s Choice. The visiting public are encouraged to cast their votes for their favorite works of art. On the final day of the show\, Jan. 26\, the People&rsquo\;s Choice award winner will be announced.
\n \;\n\nThe judges for the 38th Winter Art Show are Ann Porter\, BHSU art professor\; Bonny Fleming\, photographer\, and Jim Knutson\, retired BHSU Art professor.
\n