RUSTBURG, VA - On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Campbell County Department of Public and Employee Relations staff proudly hosted a vibrant Art Show held in tandem with the Campbell County Public Library System’s Summer Reading Grand Finale Street Fair. This creative celebration, which was inspired by a former county event, brought together art, literacy, and community spirit for a day-long event showcasing talent from across the region. More than 25 local artists participated, submitting works in six different mediums and five age categories.
A Beloved Tradition Returns
From 1986 through 2013, Art in the Courthouse Square was a beloved annual tradition that drew artists and art enthusiasts from all across Virginia. Known for its welcoming community atmosphere and high-caliber local talent, the show became a cherished event in Campbell County.
After a hiatus of more than a decade, this show marked the first revival of this cultural gathering—honoring its legacy while ushering in a new era of creativity and community celebration. By pairing the show with the library’s Summer Reading Grand Finale Street Fair, organizers created a welcoming and accessible environment that honored the Art Show’s legacy while engaging an entirely new generation of artists. Although initially presented as a scaled-down version of the original event to gauge public interest, residents embraced the opportunity to reconnect with a long-standing tradition in a fresh, more modern context.
Spotlight on Creativity and Excellence
Local judges evaluated submissions on creativity, technical execution, and originality. Awards were presented in each age division and medium, with special recognition given to the top selections in the Teen and Adult divisions.
Below are the winners from each age category and artistic medium:
Preschool (Ages 2–5)
Drawing
1st – Kennedy Tice
Youth (Ages 6–9)
Mixed Media
1st – Presley Wiley
Pre-Teen (Ages 10–12)
Mixed Media
1st – Madison Tice
Teen (Ages 13–17)
Mixed Media
1st – Sarah Wright; Sarah’s Studio Art
2nd – Harley Worth
3rd – Sarah Wright; Sarah’s Studio Art
Best in Teen Category: Sarah Wright; Sarah’s Studio Art
Adult (Ages 18+)
Painting
1st – Kim Martin; Watercolor
2nd – Dawn Warren; Watercolor
3rd – Lyzzie King; Acrylic
Photography
1st – Janet Robertson
2nd – Kim Wall
3rd – Eleanor Hoehne
Best in Adult Category: Janet Robertson
A Day of Art and Celebration
“This event not only highlights the incredible talent we have within Campbell County, but also strengthens our community by bringing people together through art and creativity,” said Beth Worth, Organizational Relations/Marketing Specialist. “We were excited to partner with the library’s Summer Reading Finale to offer a day filled with inspiration, imagination, and celebration – and to revisit an event that once meant so much to our community.”
In addition to the Art Show, attendees enjoyed live entertainment, games, crafts, local food vendors, and interactive library activities as part of the Summer Reading Grand Finale Street Fair.
Looking Ahead
The Campbell County Department of Public and Employee Relations is already looking forward to next year’s Art Show. Artists of all ages are encouraged to begin preparing their work for the 2026 exhibition.
For more information about future events or how to participate in next year’s show, please visit our website at: www.campbellcountyva.gov, or you may contact the Campbell County Department of Public and Employee Relations; per@campbellcountyva.gov.
About Campbell County Department of Public and Employee Relations
The Campbell County Department of Public and Employee Relations is dedicated to fostering clear, effective communication and supporting both the public and the County’s workforce. The department manages a wide range of responsibilities, including public communications, press releases, emergency communications support, and compliance with Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
In addition to maintaining county website content and overseeing social media policy, the department plays a vital role in marketing county programs, events, and initiatives. Internally, it supports County operations through employee recruitment, internship coordination, benefits administration, labor law compliance, and employee communications.
The department also leads efforts in employee training, career development, recognition programs, and team-building initiatives—ensuring a productive, informed, and engaged workforce while promoting transparency and public trust across the community.