Bethany Watts’ piece, “Blossoms in Wylla’s Garden” is one of the entries in this year’s Not So Bad Art by Good People contest.
A city native and Richwood Bank’s Logan County Development Officer recently took the opportunity to refresh her photography skills and to capture a special moment in time that incorporates a major milestone in her career for her entry in this year’s Not So Bad Art by Good People contest.
Bethany Watts’ piece, “Blossoms in Wylla’s Garden,” is one of 10 entries currently featured in the Logan County Art League’s seventh annual contest and fundraiser. All of the pieces are currently on display at Citizens Federal Savings & Loan, 100 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, through Friday, Jan. 26, for public voting.
“I was honored to be included in this year’s contest,” Watts said this week. “Before starting with Richwood, I worked for A Moment In Time Studio in Grove City. I was able to help some with the photography side of things during my time there, so it was very fulfilling to try my hand at photography again after so many years.”
The Bellefontaine High School graduate said her piece features flowers that were taken from an arrangement from Dorcey’s, gifted to her from a friend to congratulate Watts on her receipt of one of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce’s Stars in Business Awards in the fall of 2023.
Watts was the winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award, which is presented to an individual between the ages of 20 and 40 who has devoted significant time to improve the quality of life of others through community service and is actively developing leadership skills in themselves and others.
As a banking professional, Watts said she enjoys her position and the many opportunities it affords her to enrich the lives of others.
“I’ve been with Richwood Bank for nearly nine years. As the Logan County Development Officer, my role allows me to collaborate with our valued customers, assisting them in meeting their banking and business needs.
“I also take great pride in the time I get to spend coaching and leading the team here in Logan County. Contributing to their professional journeys is extremely rewarding.”
Utilizing the floral arrangement, Watts said she grabbed a friend’s camera and happened upon a particularly serene setting at her home that now encompasses her piece.
“I captured the image using the beautiful window light shining into our youngest daughter’s room,” she said.
“Thank you to Angel Payne for allowing me to borrow her camera, and to Susan Wiberg, owner of A Moment In Time, for refreshing my Photoshop skills.”
After first reading about artists in the Not So Bad Art show a few years ago in the Examiner, Watts said she is delighted to be a part of the process this year and is looking forward to the upcoming dinner and art auction Jan. 26.
“Partnering with the Art League to be a part of this event has been a great experience. Also, the collaboration within the gathering of fellow artists has been a delight — brainstorming our ideas and seeing all these beautiful creations come together.
Continuing through Jan. 26, everyone in the community is invited to view the art at Citizens Federal Savings & Loan during regular lobby hours and vote for their favorites.
Voting is $1 per vote, and there are no restrictions on the number of times a person can vote.
Voting is also available online at the Art League’s website: https://logancountyartleague.org/.
The winner of the popular vote will be announced at the celebration event and dinner, slated for Jan. 26 at the Bellefontaine VFW, 216 Orchard Ave., beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations for the dinner were due Jan. 19.
After the celebration dinner, all of the works of art are auctioned off, with proceeds supporting the activities of the Logan County Art League. The public is invited to attend the auction that begins at 7 p.m. and participate free of charge.