Image: MacNider Art Museum
The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City has announced the award winners for 'Area Show: 50', its competitive regional exhibition for artists living within 100 miles of the city. The show is on view in the museum’s Kinney-Lindstrom Gallery from July 3 to September 23, 2026, and includes a range of works by artists above high school age from north central Iowa and southern Minnesota.
According to the museum, the exhibition drew 114 entries from 62 artists, with 36 works by 35 artists selected for display. Each entrant was allowed to submit up to two artworks. The show is juried by Kong Ho, associate professor of art at North Iowa Area Community College, and many of the exhibited works are available for purchase through the museum.
Best in Show went to Dan Gamble of Mason City for 'Untitled (Diptych)', an egg tempera on panel. Gamble will receive a solo exhibition in 2027 as part of the award. The museum described the exhibition as a competitive opportunity in which artists were seeking both cash awards and the chance to have their work featured in a solo show.
Three artists received Excellence Awards of $250 each. They are Larry Gregson of Mason City for 'Bosveld’s Odtaa Number 7', an oil on herringbone linen work; Susan E. Kuennen of Elgin, Iowa, for 'Amethyst and Jade', a willow and reed basket with deer antler; and Janet Kostka of Mason City for 'Dahlia from Lorrie on My Birthday', an acrylic painting.
Two Merit Awards of $100 were presented. Mary Ann Marreel of Osage, Iowa, was recognized for 'The Shepherd', a charcoal drawing, and Yvonne C. Cory of Easton, Minnesota, for 'Rebirth of Family Mementoes', a textile art apron. The $50 Most Daring Award went to Frida Figueroa of Waverly, Iowa, for 'Mitos de la Historia', an oil on canvas work.
Five Honorable Mentions were also announced. Tracy Ingham of Rockford, Iowa, was recognized for 'Walking The Dog'; Jefferson Brown of Mason City for 'The Bear'; TC Dakin of Kensett, Iowa, for 'Horse/Strength'; Julie Hughes of Cedar Falls for 'Quiet Watch'; and Dean Swenson of Buffalo Center for 'The Hermit'.
'Area Show: 50' is sponsored by the David & Phyllis Murphy Charitable Foundation. Admission is free, and the museum says the exhibition will remain on view through September 23, 2026 at 303 2nd St. SE in Mason City.
