By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
Olive Hill native and painter Michelle Ward-Ciancio is passionate about Appalachian artists – but especially local artists. The artist, who was nominated for an Appalachian Arts Award this year, noted that in addition to herself another Olive Hill native, Samantha Arthurs, was nominated in the best author category for her fiction book, “A Crooked Mile.” She also pointed out that Catlettsburg’s Holly Forbes was nominated in the Singer-Songwriter and Best Female Vocalist categories – ultimately taking home the award for the latter.
Arthurs, unfortunately, did not take home the award in her category. West Virginia native Storm Young took home that award instead. But Arthurs announced through her social media accounts that she was appreciative of the experience, nonetheless.
“Making it to the finals for an award like this is honestly cool in its own right!” she wrote. “To be placed in a category with two other female Appalachian authors is nothing to sniff at.”
Arthurs book, which is set in the fictional rural Montana town of Rust, tells the story of a pair of young people yearning to escape their small town life.
Ward-Ciancio, who was nominated in the best painter category, took home her award too; but the artist was intent on focusing on how just how many nominees – and winners – came from our corner of Kentucky. She pointed out that nominees came from all across the 13 states that make up the Appalachian Region; from Alabama and Georgina in the south to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and parts of New York at the northern end. So, she said, to have so many locals represented was outstanding.
Even the folks who presented her with her award, for her portrait of Toni Morrison, were Carter County residents. Ward-Ciancio accepted her award from Dan and Mindy Click, of the Grayson Gallery & Art Center.
She said she was overcome with emotion, and had to blink away tears as she thanked her friends and family, including her husband and children. She also said she had to, “acknowledge my inspiration for this painting – Toni Morrison – a truly remarkable lady. If you don’t know much about her life, I’d encourage you to look her up. I’m just hopeful that my daughter and any of the other young women in our lives, including those in the audience, can push the boundaries and create a legacy as strong as hers.”
The Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Awards were held on March 16 this year, at the Mountain Arts Center, in Prestonsburg. The organization behind the awards, “seeks to celebrate art in all its forms and recognize the artists from or living in our communities all along the Appalachian Mountains, who are making the world a more beautiful place to live in through art.”
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
