THE NATIONAL OIL & ACRYLIC PAINTERS’ SOCIETY (NOAPS)
WILL CELEBRATE ITS 24TH ANNUAL “BEST OF AMERICA” EXHIBIT WHICH WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 12, 2014 UNTIL NOVEMBER 22, 2014

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Celebrating its 24th Annual “Best of America” in 2014, the National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) has been showcasing the talents of oil and acrylic painters since 1991. This year, awards have been increased to over $10000 in Cash and Sponsor Certificates and events have been added. A three (3) day workshop by the judge of the exhibit, Todd A. Williams, a morning Fun Paint Out, and an Awards Banquet will be some of the activities prior to the Grand Opening on October 12, 2014 at the beautiful Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art and the re-opening three weeks later at the very popular Osage Beach Vine Wine Bar and Art Gallery.
NOAPS was founded on March 14, 1991 by a small but determined group of individuals. The primary purpose for this not-for-profit organization was an annual national juried art exhibition and competition that came to be known as NOAPS annual ‘BEST of AMERICA’ exhibit. For nearly 24 years, NOAPS has been showcasing the incredible talent of both oil and acrylic artists in gallery shows and online competitions. Our annual juried exhibit, the ‘Best of America’ truly attracts some of the best artists from all across North America. Our membership and event participation is experiencing significant growth. Membership growth is coming from all across North America. NOAPS is now a leading art society in North America offering membership to both oil and acrylic artists.

For artists, just to be selected into the ‘Best of America’ exhibit has always been an honor. In the past only about 70 paintings were accepted from hundreds of entries, but that number has been increased to one hundred due to our growth. To be accepted is difficult enough, but many of the artists receive additional recognition through the numerous awards bestowed by the society or by the various Suppliers Awards provided by sponsors. This year, the total awards will be in excess of $10,000 in cash and sponsor/patron prizes. Cash Awards include: Best of Show $3,500, Second Place $900 and Third Place $600. The Best of Show includes the honor of having the artist’s winning artwork become the image on the front cover of the 2015 Best of America catalog. In essence, over thirty awards are presented. Among them, the $1000 Best Signature Artist Painting Award, the Best People’s Painting, and several Merit Awards. Our list of sponsors provides an invaluable contribution to our society and to the increase in awards. They have been helping us grow since our founding in 1991 and we greatly appreciate their support.

NOAPS is fortunate to have our 2014 Exhibit in two wonderful art spaces. The magnificent and spacious Dunnegan Gallery of Art in Bolivar, Missouri will host the Awards Banquet on October 11 and the Grand Opening on October 12. This gallery is comprised by a total of 26,000 sq ft. including a beautiful exhibition area for the ‘Best of America’ and an outstanding space for their private collection with valuable pieces of art. The ‘Best of America’ will close at the Dunnegan Gallery of Art on October 26 but it re-opens at the very popular Vine Wine Bar and Gallery of Art in the beautiful Osage Beach area, Lake of the Ozarks Missouri region. The Vine is a vibrant gallery that has become a hub of artistic activity and fine dining.

In this 24th anniversary of the ‘Best of America’ Exhibit, NOAPS and the galleries look forward to showcasing the one hundred or more paintings from artists throughout North America selected from as many as 800 entries ensuring some of the best art in North America. The selection process was completed by September 6, 2014. The “Best of America” Exhibit consistently offers many styles and subject matter, providing attendees a unique opportunity to view and purchase ‘fine art’ in person or through the NOAPS website. Reservations for the events leading to the Grand Opening can also be made through the NOAPS website. The workshop offers a learning experience, the morning Paint Out at the beautiful Dunnegan Memorial Park promises to be fun, and the Awards Banquet is a delightful evening with great company and excellent food where the judge explains his award selections; an evening and an exhibit not to be missed!