The Fairfield Art Association (FAA) recently announced the winning artists from its annual Membership Exhibit, which featured 43 artists from across Southeast Iowa and a total of 82 entries in a variety of artistic media.
An awards event was held March 6th in the Main Gallery at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, drawing a large crowd of artists and community members. The exhibit was judged by Harriet Burbeck, who selected four pieces to receive “Outstanding Artwork” recognition.
Those awards went to Christopher Bennett for a bronze sculpture of a biker, Care Connett for an abstract painting in gouache, Vicki Ingham for a still-life oil painting, and John Evans for a soft pastel piece depicting a foggy morning scene.
During the event, FAA board member Anna Maistri also announced the winner of the public “Vote for Favorite.” That honor went to Care Connett.
The exhibit also marked the beginning of the Fairfield Art Association’s 60th year. During the event, organizers shared an update on the Mark Shafer Memorial Sculpture project, including a full-scale basic rendering displayed for attendees.
The FAA board also introduced the theme for this year’s Summer Downtown Art Installation. The 2026 theme, titled “Firecracker – The Spark that Started It All,” will celebrate the Fourth of July and the community’s upcoming 250th anniversary observance.
This year’s installation is sponsored by Hickenbottom Inc., which has donated 20 five-foot by six-inch PVC pipes that participating artists will transform into original art pieces based on the firecracker theme. Guidelines for artists interested in participating are currently available at the FAA Studio, with additional details about the project expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Photos from the exhibit show award winners Vicki Ingham, Care Connett, John Evans, and judge Harriet Burbeck. Christopher Bennett was not pictured, though his award-winning biker sculpture was also displayed during the event. Photos were taken by Werner Elmker. Information from Suzan Kessel.
