Local Artists Sought for Banning's Western Art Festival

The Banning Centennial Committee is looking for artists who would like their work displayed for the community to enjoy— and the chance to win some cash— at an upcoming art festival tied into the city's 100th birthday celebration.

The Western Art Festival will run in conjunction with Gilman's Wild West Festival, at the Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum on June 1-2.

"The Western Art Festival will feature original work by notable Californian artists and illustrators, including Carolyne Hawley and Keith Batcheller," said Mary Ann Melleby with the Banning Centennial Committee.  "All art festival entries will be on display with some of the art available for purchase."

The art will be judged, and the first place artist will get $500, second will get $400 and third will get $300.

Artists must be 18 or older, and don't necessarily have to live in Banning— just within California.

Here are some of the contest guidelines provided by Melleby:

• Artwork of oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, ink charcoal, pastels and photographs, must be original art produced in the past three years.
• Maximum dimensions for two dimensional artwork, including frame is 5 feet by 5 feet; maximum weight 45 pounds. 
• Artwork must be dry and properly prepared with wire for hanging. 
• Watercolors, pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen, ink, and photography must be covered with glass or Plexiglas and framed.

It costs $20 to enter your first piece of work, and $15 for up to two pieces thereafter.

If you're interested in submitting artwork, here's the timetable:

• May 10, 11, & 17: Art submission from 12 – 4 pm at Gilman Ranch Wagon Museum
• May 21: Artist acceptance or non-acceptance notification via email
• May 24: Non-accepted art pick-up from 12 – 4 pm
• May 31: Artist Reception and Awards Ceremony for Jury selected artists
• June 1 & 2: Wild West Days, Western Art Festival and Wild West Charity Bike Ride
• June 3: Artists pick up sold artwork checks and /or remaining artwork 12-4pm
• June 3 – 28: Jury selected winning art displayed at Banning Center for the Arts Gallery, 41 S. San Gorgonio Street, Banning
• June 28: Artists pick up sold artwork checks and/or remaining artwork at Gallery

For more information about getting artwork entered into this show, contact Chuck McCracken at 951-324-9701, or via email at chuckmccracken@gmail.com.