The Whitesboro Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will host its 17th annual Shauney P. Lucas Community Art Show Friday through Sunday, March 7-9.
The show, which is free to enter and to attend, is open for all artists to submit their works for display.
Those interested should register at the Parks and Recreation office by noon on Wednesday, March 5.
This year’s show features the work of 25-year-old Whitesboro resident Garrett Thurman.
Thurman has only been creating art for about a year, beginning in January 2024, but his progress has been remarkable. He took art classes in middle school and high school but did not take his craft seriously until last year when he began to explore his potential.
Although starting as a hobby in 2024, Thurman quickly fell in love with the process of drawing and the challenge of pushing himself to achieve the style he is passionate about: hyperrealism. The pursuit of improvement keeps him motivated and hungry for progress.
His chosen medium is charcoal and graphite. He has learned numerous techniques through YouTube tutorials, blending them together to develop his own unique approach.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of creating art is watching a piece evolve from something that looks rough and incomplete to a work that seems to come alive on the paper,” Thurman said.
His favorite piece to create thus far was a self-portrait that was begun in March 2024. It took 65 hours to complete. Through that process, he realized he was onto something special. It gave him the confidence to continue honing his craft and pursuing his artistic goals.
“I’m still learning and growing, and I’m excited to see where my journey will take me in the next five years,” Thurman said. “Creating art has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I hope everyone has the chance to discover the joy of bringing something to life through their own creativity.”
The public is invited to meet Thurman and other local artists at the art show’s opening Artists’ Reception on Friday, March 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. Viewers’ Choice Awards will be given in various categories at the close of the reception. The public is invited to attend the reception and vote on their favorites.
The art show will be held at the Jimmie O. Rector Community Center, 400 Wilson Street in Whitesboro. Information about this and other department events can be found at www.whitesboro.org/pard. The Whitesboro History Club will serve as hostesses for the weekend event.
