Arizona woman wins gold medal award for her painting

Publicist Dianemarie Collins says, "Sharon Brening, an Arizona master artist wins the gold medal award for best oil at the Western Artists of America Annual Show and Sale held at the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, TX. For the first time in its ten year history, the Gold Medal for best Oil Painting was awarded to a woman - Forty master artists and sculptors displayed their work for judging and purchase during the six-week long exhibit."

Collins adds, "This is huge news for Arizona and for women painters all over the world. There are only two major Western artist organizations - Cowboy Artists of America do not allow women into their membership.

"A decade ago, Western Artists of America was formed to be inclusive to men, women and artists of color. This was their 10th Year Show & Sale at the Pearce Museum outside of Dallas, TX. Sharon Brening took the Gold Medal.

"This is the first time ever, in over 10 years of competition, that a woman painter has been awarded the WAA's most prestigious award: the Gold Medal for Oil Painting. Sharon lectures to local school art students, donates proceeds from her painting sales to local nonprofits. She is an Arizona success story just waiting to be told."

Collectors are always welcome to visit Sharon at her studio by appointment. Call 623-572-7223. You can also purchase work or get details of upcoming shows at her website: www.sbrening.com .

The local gallery that carries Sharon's work is Turn West Design Studio in Carefree, Arizona.

Arizona Western Art Festival at Pueblo Grande Museum (Phoenix, AZ) April 2-3
Phippen Museum Western Art Show & Sale (Prescott, AZ) Memorial Weekend May 28-30