Brownwood News – The 22nd annual Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit comes to a close Saturday afternoon, but the final day promises to be punctuated with anticipation as artists compete for cash prizes in the Paint-Off Competition.

The exhibit, which opened February 2 at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center, will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The 15th annual Paint-Off Competition invites painters to begin and complete an original two-dimensional work on Saturday, finishing by 3:30 p.m. Registration will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with a registration fee of $20. Two light meals are included.

Big Country Ford-Lincoln will award a $500 cash prize to the “best overall” painting, plus a $250 cash prize for the “award of excellence.” Artists may work from life, plein air, personal photo, or value study. Works must be displayed unframed on easels provided by the artists.

At 3:30 p.m., a silent auction will begin as judging gets underway. Barbara Rallo, coordinator for EnPleinArtTEXAS, is the juror.

The awards will be announced at 4 p.m. Saturday, and art may be picked up at 5 p.m.

Artists with works in the exhibit are asked to pick up those pieces at 5 p.m. Saturday, or from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit presented by the Arts Council of Brownwood is sponsored in part by the Arts Council, City of Brownwood, Jane Ellen Jamar, Sandi and Steve Kelly, Kohler Company, Ann Jones Real Estate, Big Country Ford-Lincoln, Debbie and Stan Cavett, Empire Iron Works, Gail Croft, Betty Martin, Sally and Robert Porter, Charles and Kay Beth Stavley, Joe Sheppard Designs, Woman’s Club of Brownwood, and Bostick’s Auto & Truck Sales.

(story by Gene Deason)