MIDDLEPORT — “Art in the Village,” an annual enrichment program of the Riverbend Arts Council, will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Council headquarters on Second Avenue in Middleport.

The event is a family friendly event organized to give area artists an opportunity to showcase their work and to introduce children to a variety of activities in a fun atmosphere. It is supported in part by the Ohio River Border Initiative, a joint project of the Ohio Arts Council and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

Again this year local artist Rhojean McClure is chairman of the art show which again this year will feature special outside events for the children along with special displays of creative crafts.

The show will be judged with cash and ribbon awards presented to the winners. A special awards ceremony will take at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show with photos being taken. The deadline for entering the competitive classes of oil acrylic, and watercolor paintings, photography, and other art pieces is Sept. 16. Each exhibitor is restricted to entering five pieces of art at a fee of $3 for each one. Applications can be obtained from McClure by calling 992-3842, or contacting Edna Weber at Farmers Bank, 992-2136. The forms with fees are to be mailed to the Riverbend Arts Council, Art in the Village, P. O. Box 27, Middleport, Ohio 45760.

There is no entry fee or judging in the exhibit only category of display but pre-registration is required by the same Sept. 16 deadline.

As for the prizes, there will be a $100 cash award and a rosette for Best of Show, a $50 cash award and rosette for the Peoples Choice award; and $50 cash awards for firsts, $25 for seconds, and $15 for third in each of the categories.

A closed judging will be held with points for composition, perspective and light source; understand and application of values; individuality and originality, control of medium and color, knowledge of the subject matter and appropriate presentation.

As in previous years entries must be ready to hang with sturdy eye hooks and wire (no strings, saw tooth or tab hangers.” Photographs must be the artist originals in prints no smaller than 8x10. Pricing notes are not to be included on the front of the art piece, but may be placed on a card on the back of the a piece.

Entries are to be delivered to the show location on Thursday, Sept. 2-, 7-9 p.m., or Friday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. until noon. Only pre-registered and presentation ready art will be accepted.