The Heritage Festival Art Show provided a gallery of talent at the Historic Snodderly House on Main Street. Renowned artist Betty Bullen hosted the show with volunteers, Brenda Stone, Shirley Keaton, and Nancy Bailey. Mayor Jason Bailey had the honor of awarding the ribbons to the winners at the artist reception prior to the festival. Madeleine Grace, 14, and Carson Hayes, 12, played a variety of melodic tunes as visitors strolled through the gallery.

The juried show produced many award winners. The Best of Show award goes to the art that the juror considers exceptional in every aspect of creation. Sherri Wilson received The Best of Show Award for her portrait entitled “Bridgette.”
The Best Heritage Award is for the art that depicts the theme of the Heritage Festival, “Remembering Grandpa.” Lisa Crist's painting Popsie and Sweet Pea won the Heritage Award. Fabric Art was a new category for 2024. First place in Fabric Art was Nancy Bailey for a quilt.
Other first places by category were Renee Branum’s “Fish Tales” in 2-Dimension Art, Marvin Reed’s pens in “Compilation of the Turner’s Art,” Misty Goins’ “Visiting Grandpa” in Photography.

Second place winners were Brenda Stone’s painting “Sunflowers” in 2-Dimensional Art. Richard Phillips hand carved a Tennessee baseball player to receive a second place in 3-Dimension. Brantley King went home with the second place for “Gold Fish” in Fabric Art.

Third Place winners included Deborah Stroud’s painting in 2-Dimensional Art, “Romeo and Juliette Spoonbills” and in 3-Dimension, Dorothy McMillian for “Cornshuck Nativity.” Abigail Thomas photographed bees to receive third place for “Dance of the Pollinators.” “Baby’s First Shawl” by Glenda Thompson was a third place winner in Fabric Art.

Honorable Mentions went to Danielle Poisal for “Chicken Yard” in 2-D Art, Morgan Burns for “Tractoring” in 3-D Art, and Brenda Stone for “Baby Bear” in Fabric Art. Items of Distinction have a unique theme or artistic expression. Shirley Keaton’s “Battle of Fort Sumpter” was the best Historic Scene. Ann GlenSherill’s “Cat House Play House” was recognized for distinctly Expressive Subject Matter. Patricia Barnett's “Water” was noted for Uniqueness of Material. Uniqueness of Material was showcased in Johnny R. Hamilton's “Full BloHoom.” Exemplary in Design went to Sue Drinnen’s “The Texan.”

About 60 pieces of art from all over the East Tennessee region gave viewers a variety of Applachian Heritage and Art. If you are artistic, plan to display your work at the 21st Union County Heritage Festival Art Show on Saturday, October 4, 2025.