2024 Whitesboro's Shauney P. Lucas Community Art Show

2024 Whitesboro's Shauney P. Lucas Community Art Show Recap

The Whitesboro Parks and Recreation Department hosted its sixteenth community art show, known as the Shauney P. Lucas Community Art Show, March 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Jimmie O. Rector Community Center.  PARD Director Penny Renfroe said of this year's event, "This year's show was wonderful!  We had a total of 326 pieces of art from 148 different artists.  The number of pieces was up slightly from last year's 297.  The total number of visitors to the show was 299, up 63% from last year's total visitor count of 184!"  Renfroe continued, "We are so inspired! This is one of the largest shows in terms of displayed pieces.  And it is definitely the largest in terms of visitors!  We appreciate every local artist that submitted his/her work for the community to enjoy.  Our small community is blessed to have many talented members and we enjoy displaying their work!  We are already looking forward to the 2025 show and making plans."

The show began on Friday evening with the reception for the public to meet the artists.  Renfroe said, "I personally enjoy the artists' reception because I get to meet the talented people of our community and ask them about their work, their history, and their creative process.  It's always meaningful to the artists to see that people notice and appreciate their work!"

Visitors at the reception on Friday evening were invited to vote for the Viewers' Choice Awards in various mediums for both youth and adult divisions.  They cast their ballots for favorites in drawing, painting, photography, 3D and multimedia categories for both youth, adults and children.  Ribbons were placed on the winning pieces and were displayed for the remainder of the show, and winning artists were awarded plaques. (See below for a list of award winners.)

The reception was co-hosted by the Whitesboro History Club.  "The ladies of this organization add so much to this event by hosting the reception.  We are so fortunate to have them as co-sponsor for the art show!  They are great hosts for the entire weekend," added Renfroe.  The show continued on Saturday and Sunday with an opportunity for the public to view the display.

The Parks and Recreation Department's first art show was held in 2008.  The fourth show held in 2011 was renamed for Shauney Lucas, a PARD employee and local artist who was killed in an automobile accident in 2010.  Renfroe added, "We enjoy providing and opportunity to celebrate the creativity and talent of our community.  Having organized the first Community Art Show with Shauney, it's such a fitting way to remember her and to continue to be inspired by her life and her talent!"

We look forward to seeing you next year!