The Grant County Art Guild's 29th Annual Purchase Prize Award Exhibit opens to the public with an artist reception at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, at the Pinos Altos Art Gallery. The Guild's Pinos Altos Art Gallery will be hung with all of the paintings and the winning ribbons by the time of the reception. It is the perfect time to come visit with the artists and hear the comments from the judge on the entries and the show. You can also enjoy some refreshments and vote for the "People's Choice" award that is given based on visitors votes.

This juried show is open to all New Mexico artists and this year has had 69 entries accepted. This exciting exhibit awards a $1,500 purchase prize to the "Best in Show" winner and an additional $900 in prize money for other winning entries. The prize money is big and the fantastic art that comes to the gallery for this annual show is always very deserving.

The judge for this year's show is Mick Davidson from Tucson, Arizona. Mick is an impressionist painter, schooled in the Russian tradition. Preferring to work in oils, he is attracted to their richness and depth of color. Mitch also works in watercolor and charcoal. Mick Davidson will be offering a 3-day workshop in Silver City on painting in all media on September 24, 25, and 26. For more information call 575-534-2899.

The annual Purchase Prize Award Exhibit is the grand finale of the Grant County Art Guild's season at their Pinos Altos Art Gallery located in the historic Hearst Church. Following the reception, the show will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday though October 5. The Grant County Art Guild consists of 41 local artists, photographers and fine crafters that call the Pinos Altos Gallery their seasonal home. For more information on the guild and their upcoming shows, go to their website at www.gcag.org.

Attendees enjoying the 2014 Purchase Prize Show reception

R to L: 2014 Best in Show winner Jane Seavers, Judge Donna Levine, show chairperson Carolyn Paez