Participants 21 years and older competed in three categories: Experienced, Emerging 2-dimensional and Emerging 3-dimensional.

Participants were also able to enter their work into a fourth category, Expressive. The pieces entered range from watercolor painting, acrylic or oil paintings, mixed media collages, to pottery and sculptures. Each participant received a participation ribbon.

In the Experienced category, comprised of participants who had shown their art for six years or more, first place went to Chris Denton for his piece “Into the Light,” 2006. Second Place in the Experienced category went to Karl Hefner for his piece “Abstract,” 2008.

In the Emerging 2-dimensional category, Steve Dotson of Creative Expressions, won first place for his piece “The Basketball Player,” 2007. Second Place in the Emerging 2-dimensional category went to John Gibson for his piece “Abstract Composition,” 2008. Third Place in the Emerging 2-dimensional category went to Cena Faye for her piece “Collage 1.”

In the Emerging 3-dimensional category, Brad William won first place for his piece “The Pig,” 2009. Second Place in the Emerging 3-dimensional category went to Gabe Elder for his piece “Hippopotamus,” 2009. Third Place in the Emerging 3-dimensional category went to Sheronica Jackson for her piece “Blue Plate,” 2009.

The pieces entered into the Experienced or Emerging categories were judged by Sharon Austin and Bill Fisher. Austin graduated from Morehead State University with a Master of Arts degree in May 2002, with an option in Studio Arts. Fisher serves as Chair of the Art Department at Georgia College. Winners of the judged categories received $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and art supplies for third place.

The competition originated as a memorial for Eduardo Mercardo, Jr., the late husband of Dr. Chesley Mercado.

“People developing their potential do not always have the opportunity to showcase their art,” said Dr. Mercado, Chair of the Music Therapy Department.

The Eduardo Mercado Jr. Arts Competition provides such an outlet for adults with intellectual disabilities. The competition is named for Mercado because of his deep love for people with disabilities. He spent 35 years working at Central State and spent his entire career helping people with psychiatric disorders. Mercado believed the arts are a right of every person and that when given the opportunity creative potential will be discovered.”

The public is welcome to stop by the Health Sciences building on Georgia College Campus to view the entries on display until mid-October. Entries for next years competition will be welcomed beginning in January 2010.

For more information, please contact Dr. Mercado at (478) 445-2645.