WOODSFIELD — The Monroe Arts Council is preparing for the 25th annual Arts Show, which will feature artwork created by dozens of local artists, throughout April at the Monroe County Library.

Yvonne Reusser, member of the arts council and coordinator of the event, said organizers are anticipating between 50 and 100 entries, which is the amount they have received in years past. Art categories will include paintings, drawings, mixed media and collage, ceramics, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, crafts and more.

“Any media, and from anybody in the Monroe County area. We don’t limit it to just Monroe County, anyone in our area is welcome to enter,” she said. “It’s really a worthwhile exhibit because there’s so many talented artists in the area.”

Reusser said items that will not be accepted for the show are pieces from a kit or things that can be mass produced.

“We discourage that. We prefer original artwork,” she added.

Monetary prizes and ribbons will be awarded to first, second, third and best of show. The panel of judges will include one “out-of-area” judge. This year, that person is Lisa Marple, an art teacher at Union Local High School.

“I’m really excited about it. She’s a practicing artist herself, and she has started three art galleries for students. I’m really excited about meeting her,” Reusser said.

The council has sponsored the show every year since 1997, with the exception of two years when organization was forced to cancel the event.

“This is our 25th year. (It has beenannual) except during COVID (in 2020) and the year before because of the death of our director,” she said.

Last year there was a bit of a decline in entries due to the show being canceled the two previous years, Resusser said. She said she is hoping for a good turnout this year and plenty of pieces of art for residents to view.

“There could be over 100 entries because there are so many talented people in the county that display their art at the art gallery,” she said.

Those interested in entering pieces in the exhibit can do so between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. March 30 at the library, located at 96 Home Ave., Woodsfield. Artists must be high school aged or older to enter artwork. Reusser said the pieces must be ready to hang or display when brought in, and drawings and paintings should be framed.

Contestants can enter either as a member of the arts council or a non-member. Becoming a member of the council enables people to display and sell their work at the Creative Expressions Gift Shop, formerly known as the Monroe Arts Center. It also grants them a slightly lesser entry fee for the exhibit. As a member, artists can submit three pieces of artwork for $3; the price for non-members is $5 per submission.

For more information on the show, call Creative Expressions Gift Shop at 740-472-4848 or email Reusser at yvonne.reusser@gmail.com.