Paris, Tenn.–The Paris-Henry County Arts Council announces the winners of the 40th Annual Artist Showcase, a milestone year that beautifully reflects the creativity, talent, and artistic spirit of the local community.
This year’s exhibit features 90 works of art by 41 artists, bringing together an inspiring range of perspectives, styles, and mediums. From bold paintings to thoughtful mixed media, detailed drawings, and sculptural works, each piece offers a glimpse into the passion behind it. Walking through the gallery, it’s clear that the arts are alive and thriving in Paris and Henry County.
With such a strong and diverse body of work, selecting winners was no small task. Chris Nadaskey, Professor of Art at Union University, served as this year’s judge. With more than 30 years of experience and a background spanning painting, mixed media, and sculpture, his perspective brought both depth and clarity to the judging process.
Taking home the top honor of Best of Show is The Ghost of My Son Who Never Was by Dan Knowles.
We invite the community to visit the W.G. Rhea Public Library and experience the exhibit in person.
Below are the winners of the 2026 Artist Showcase.
Best In Show
🥇 Dan Knowles – The Ghost of My Son Who Never Was
Adult Division
Painting
🥇 Dan Knowles – The Ghost of My Son Who Never Was
🥈 Jennifer Russell – Drifting In and Out of Time
🥉 Dani Poe – Morning with My Mother (in oil)
Mixed Media
🥇 Susan Sombeck – The Lookout
🥈 Terry Keith – Migrating Snow Geese
🥉 Lee Owenby – Blue Dream Necklace
Drawing
🥇 Susan Sombeck – The Best In-laws
🥈 Marcia Duncan – Dark Shark
🥉 Greg Chandler – Steel Dust and Gypsy Snowed In
Sculpture
🥇 Martin Paschall – Raku
🥈 Joshua Johnson – The First Second
🥉 Sarah Cendejas – Self Portrait
Fiber
🥇 Nancy Hicks – NY Beauty Quilt
🥈 Nancy Hicks – Collage Rooster Wall Hanging
🥉 Collette Wilde – Knitted Cape
Glass
🥇 Dianne Carlisle – The Old Fence Line
🥈 Dianne Carlisle – HOA Meeting
Youth Division
Painting
🥇 Chloe Millraney – Bridge View
🥈 Chloe Millraney – Paris Landing
🥉 Heidi Langley – Swan
Mixed Media
🥇 Marley Duncan – Bottled Up Burps
🥈 Summer Perry – Soul
🥉 Sevens Clendenin – Birds Eye
Drawing
🥇 Marley Duncan – Tea Time
🥈 Lillee Poe – Self Portrait
🥉 Megan Stefanides – Helios and Selene
Sculpture
🥇 Joshlyn Pagan – Turkey Teeth
🥈 Samantha Cagle – Melted Time
Digital Art
🥇 Ezra Dienst – Plethera