The “Nature at its Best” exhibition and competition was created by the sons of Ellen Cook Gaskin: Jeff, Chuck, David, Bob and Paul, to promote the visual arts in Stanly County and the Uwharrie region of North Carolina. Ellen Cook Gaskin was a talented artist that had a deep appreciation for both art and nature and she shared that love and appreciation with her family. Through this show, her sons have chosen to honor her and to encourage artists to create expressions of “Nature at Its Best”.
These wonderful sons of Ellen Cook Gaskin and Dr. John S. Gaskin Jr. of Albemarle have made this show an annual event as a memorial to their mother, sponsoring all prize funds as well as an artist’s reception.
Entries in this competition should have a nature theme using one of the following as guidelines: fish, fur, feather, field, forest, or flower. Both 2-D and 3-D art are welcomed as entries. Awarded prizes are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and up to 4 honorable mentions. In addition, Stanly Arts Guild members vote on their favorite entry and a “Members’ Choice” is awarded with a ribbon and cash prize. All entries must be no more than 2 years old.
Just as the summer wanes and the leaves whisper that autumn is coming, the Nature At Its Best will make its debut. Check our calendar for dates of this show, as well as other Stanly Arts Guild events.
2025: 17th Annual
Member’s Choice
Laura Krug
“Poppies”
1st Place
Dottie Miller
“Ready To Go”
2nd Place
Craig Marshall
“Lunch Time”
3rd Place
Susan Lackey
“Birds of a Feather”
Honorable Mentions
“Taste of Summer”
“Morning Meditations”
“Isaiah 43:2”
“Wings of Fate”
2024: 16th Annual
Member’s Choice
Patrick Bearden
“American Avocet”
1st Place
Janet Fisher
2nd Place
Linda Harris
3rd Place
Craig Marsh
Honorable Mentions
Cynthia Icenhour
Deborah Brown
Laura Krug
Reda Icenhour
2023: 15th Annual
1st Place
Marshall Davis
2nd Place
Marshall Davis
3rd Place
Craig Marsh
Honorable Mentions
Carol Harris
Carol Harris
David Thayer
Michelle Efird
