The prestigious Oil Painters of America Central Regional Juried Exhibition opens at
SouthWind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th, Topeka, on Sunday, Sept. 30.

The Grand Opening reception, which runs from Noon to 4:00 p.m., is open to the public. The paintings will be available for sale at the opening and throughout the duration of the exhibit, September 30 – November 11.

This year’s show features more than 100 paintings by some of North America’s best oil painters, including many Oil Painters of America (OPA) Master Signature Members, as well as some of today’s most talented emerging artists.

The OPA Central Region encompasses 16 states and several Canadian Provinces.

The Juror of Awards for this event is nationally recognized Master Signature artist Jeff Legg (OPAM). Total awards are $9,600, including a $3,000 Best of Show prize.

“We’re very honored to be chosen as host of the 2007 OPA Regional show,“ said Gary Blitsch, SouthWind Gallery owner. “The Oil Painters of America organization is recognized as one of the most prestigious art organizations in the country and its Master Signature Members are some of the most renowned oil painters in the world.”

In addition to Jeff Legg, other Master Signature artists participating in the OPA Central Regional exhibit are Steven Lang, Nancy S. Crookston, Kevin Macpherson, Thomas Buechner, Joyce Pike, Neil Patterson, David Hettinger and Zhiwei Tu.

Included among the other highly talented list of artists in this show are 10 Kansans. They are: Kimberly Casebeer (Lenexa); Dana Hassett (Auburn); Mary Binford Miller (Eldorado); Elizabeth Pruitt (Olathe); Mathew Richter (McPherson); Ann Self (Hutchinson); Brian Slawson (Topeka); JoAnn Swearingen (Newton); David Volbracht (Medicine Lodge); and Kwan Wu (Olathe).

SouthWind Gallery has added Sunday hours during the OPA Central Regional exhibit. Gallery hours are: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon - 4:00 p.m. The exhibit runs Sept. 30 – Nov. 11, 2007.

For more information, visit the gallery online: www.southwindgalleryoftopeka.com. Or, call: 785.273.5994; (toll-free: 888.206.5994).