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CLEMMONS — A buzz of enthusiasm for talent filled the Historic Broyhill on Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day.

More than 250 attendees toured the display of 67 pieces from 43 artists and shopped the Magnolia Room, which contained additional works from the artists’ collections. The event was the Bingham Art Series Juried Art Show and Sale, a program of the Shallow Ford Foundation and in partnership with the Muddy River Art Association. The theme of the show was “A Vibrant Community.”

“The talent right here in the Clemmons area was astounding, the community response from those who came to view the art and vote in the People’s Choice award was impressive, and we are so appreciative of the support the Bingham family has given to this series — what a special afternoon,” said Sandi Scannelli, president/CEO of the Shallow Ford Foundation.

The Shallow Ford Foundation, a Clemmons-based community foundation, launched The Bingham Art Series to contribute to arts and culture in the Clemmons area in 2023. This was the third program in the first year’s line-up. The program is underwritten by the Thad and Mary Bingham Community Fund of the Shallow Ford Foundation. Thad and Mary loved the community and set up a fund with the foundation to help it flourish long after their lifetimes. The Bingham Arts Series reflects the foundation’s and the donors’ desire for philanthropy to further Clemmons area health and vibrancy.

Muddy River Art Association is a non-profit arts organization founded by artists for artists. It was created to encourage cooperation and artistic exchange among artists and others engaged in artistic activities, promote appreciation of the arts, hold art exhibitions, competitions, or performances, and promote the study and improvement of the arts in the western Forsyth County region of North Carolina.

The show featured a diverse selection of paintings, wood crafts, and pottery. The lead organizers, President of Muddy River Art Association Lee Watson and Shallow Ford Foundation Communications and Design Associate Mick Bowman, worked with local artists to showcase their work and invited locally based and noted artists to serve as the jury.

The judges were noted artisans Linda Weaver, Brian Coe, Ann Van Every, and Shallow Ford Foundation Board of Directors member Victoria Crissman.

Donna Bingham Merriman spoke of the show’s special tribute to her parents, Thad and Mary Bingham. She announced the award recipients for named entries. Those placing received cash awards.

Awards were as follows:

Painting:

1^st place – Harry Respess, “Remembrance”

2^nd place – Laura Le Moolinski, “Elephant Walk”

3^rd place – Viktoria Majestic, “God’s Half Acre”

Honorable Mentions: Susan Morris, “Remember When”; Linda Fowler, “Misty Morning in the Tetons”; Barbara Satow, “Lucky Lewie Llama”

Pottery:

1^st place – Stewart Hodges, “Dragging Canoe”

2^nd place – Sunsuk Lee, “Butterfly Weed Jar”

3^rd place – Barbara Campbell, “Ginko Vase”

Wood Craft:

1^st place – Bob Cambell, “Arts and Crafts Lamp”

2^nd place – Jim Connor, “Segmented Plate”

3^rd place – Sara Reinthaler, “Hometown Hero”

People’s Choice Award: Harry Respess, “Remembrance”

All paintings will be on display at the Historic Broyhill until May 10^th.  Sponsors and organizers are already discussing plans for next year.  For more information, contact Lee Watson, Muddy River Art Association at lee.watson67@yahoo.com or Mick Bowman, Shallow Ford Foundation, at mick@shallowfordfoundation.org.