Treat yourself to a vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity of Burke County’s artists—all mediums, all styles, all perspectives.

Burke Arts Council Open Art Show Announces Winners, Honorable Mentions, and Sponsors.  $2,000 in prizes awarded to local artists across multiple media.  

Morganton, NC — July 30, 2026:  The Burke Arts Council Open Art Show, showcasing work by local artists across a wide range of media—including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography, printmaking, jewelry, fiber, mixed media, and digital art will be on display through August 29.  At the opening reception, $2,000 in prize awards were selected by the Juror of Awards, Courtney Long, MFA, NBCT, Instructor of Fine Arts at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

Award Winners: First Place:Now I Write Letters to You (Acrylic) by Karen Yost
Second Place: Sapphire and Diamond Necklace by Julie Cioffoletti
Third Place: “Textbook Paper Cowboys: (Acrylic) by Isabella Gialluca

Honorable Mentions Cinnamin Herring — “8:16AM on West Union” (Oil)Matt Hallyburton — Oak Hill Clay Wood Fired Jug  Joey Martin — “Debbie was a Bull Frog” (Oil) Diane Enger — “Under the Canopy” (Fused Glass)Jeannie Yount — “Siren of the Tides” (Mixed Media)

The People's Choice Award will be announced at the close of the show.  

Thank You to Our Sponsors:  Many thanks to our partners-in-the-arts in Burke County for generously sponsoring this year’s awards: Stitching Chicks Needlepoint; International Moulding; West Union Art Studios; Paradise Custom Stained Glass; OSuzannah’s Yarn on Union; John Payne Photography.

Juror’s Remarks:  “We celebrate these artists who are the heartbeat of our community. As we admire their beautiful creations, notice the artwork represents a vast spectrum of genres—from landscapes and portraiture to everyday scenes—and a wide variety of mediums, including clay, glass, and silver. Behind every finished piece is a story of community.  Art is rarely made in total isolation and it thrives when artists support one another. When artists lift each other up, the entire community rises.  Thank you to the creators of these magnificent works, and thank you to everyone who supports local art.” ~Courtney Long, Juror of Awards

For more information about the Open Art Show or upcoming Burke Arts Council events, visit the Burke Arts Council website, www.burkearts.org. The gallery is open Tuesday thru Friday, 10 - 4 and Saturday, 11 - 3.

Stop by and view this beautiful show and be sure to place your vote for your favorite piece!