Artists and artisans from across Boyle County gathered for the annual Boyle County Cultural Arts Exhibit, showcasing creativity in everything from quilting and ceramics to photography and poetry-inspired decor. This year’s winners were announced across a broad range of categories, recognizing both traditional crafts and contemporary works.

Sewing and Home Decor

In the sewing apparel categories, Marilyn Houchin earned second place for basic garment apparel. In specialty garment apparel, Isabel Carter won first place, followed by Lisa Breeding and Houchin. Accessory apparel winners included Ramona Milburn in first, Florann Strevels in second, and Mary Ann Sharp in third.

In basic home décor, Julie Ross placed first, with Breeding and Milburn earning second and third, respectively. Charlotte Hammond took first in specialty home décor, followed by Sharp and Houchin.

Visual Arts and Sculpture

Milburn received multiple first-place awards in 3-D art, carving, sculpture, and natural wood. Becki Justice won second in sculpture and first in the “other” natural art subcategory. In recycled art, Milburn again led in multiple categories, winning first in both household and “other,” with Justice taking second in household.

Fiber Arts and Needlework

In crochet, Toby Durman placed first in accessories, followed by Breeding and Houchin. Teresa Nolet earned first in fashion, and Breeding again topped the home décor and afghans subcategory. Doll and toy making winners included Hammond, Lindsay, and Strevels in cloth dolls, while Nolet won first in handmade toys.

Embroidery awards went to Strevels (basic), Nancy Lindsay (machine), and Hammond (smocking and miscellaneous). Lydia Thornton won first in counted cross-stitch on specialty cloth.

Basketry, Ceramics and Knitting

Toby Durman won first in cane basketry, with Nancy Lindsay and Milburn placing in novelty. Florann Strevels won first in molded ceramics. In knitting, Charlotte Hammond placed second in accessories, and Donna Freeman earned second in home décor and afghans.

Painting and Drawing

Ramona Milburn swept several drawing categories, including pen and ink, black pencil/charcoal, and colored pencil. In painting, Julie Ross took first in acrylic, with Milburn in second. Strevels won in watercolor, again followed by Milburn. Milburn also took first in decorative wood painting.

Jewelry and Photography

Florann Strevels won beaded jewelry, while Milburn and Strevels earned top spots in original design. In photography, Tammy Perry earned first in both black-and-white and color, with Teresa Goggin and Strevels placing second and third in color photography.

Quilting and Textile Arts

Julie Ross earned first for baby/lap quilts. Nancy Lindsay placed first in machine-pieced, hand-quilted work, while Strevels won in the miscellaneous quilt category.

Holiday and Decorative Items

Holiday décor winners included Strevels, Milburn, Sharp, Carter, and Hammond across all seasons. Ramona Milburn also placed first in card making, origami, diamond art mosaic, and loom weaving. She, along with Ross and Hammond, also took top spots in wall and door hangings.

Other Craft Categories

In miscellaneous crafts, Martha Thornton earned first and Milburn second. Geraldine Dietrich won in plastic needlepoint. In rug making, Milburn and Hammond placed first and second in hooked rugs.

The Cultural Arts Exhibit serves as an annual opportunity for community members to display their skills and creativity across a wide spectrum of mediums. With dozens of awardees, the 2025 event continued to reflect the vibrant and diverse talents of Boyle County artists.