The Kansas State Fair: I Don't Know Much About Art, But I Know What I Like

We have a wonderful volunteer at work named Pat. Pat had been very excited about her painting she was entering in the State Fair. She had just started taking oil painting lessons a few weeks ago and this was her first "exhibition".

One of my early stops at the fair was the Fine Arts building to see if I could find her picture. Upon entering the building and seeing the displays, I knew I was in trouble. I had no idea what she had painted. The tags on the entries were in such small print that I could not read them from any distance, and it was not possible to get too close to them.

There were about 10 pictures hung on the wall just inside the south door. I just happened to glance at the one on the end and could almost make out the name on the tag. It was Pat's picture! I couldn't believe that I just accidently found it! Not only that, but she had a red ribbon! Probably well over half the entries don't get any ribbon at all, so even though a red is second place, it is a real coup to do that well. And this was the second picture Pat had ever painted. In her life.

It was a big sunflower (still life category) and she had framed it with old red barn wood. It really was a good picture. I am so happy for her. And I am so happy that I found her painting.