The Popular Choice award winner by Kathryn Stats

The Maynard Dixon Country event, which took place from August 23-25, is much more than an art show. In fact, it's not really an "art show" at all. Maynard Dixon Country, now in its 14th year, is a gathering of artists, collectors, community, and friends who love art. The guiding principles of the event are twofold: to help artists in America and to ensure the viability of historic preservation.

The participating artists

"We are deeply connected to the art of Maynard Dixon [1896-1946] and his contributions to American art," says a spokesperson for the event. "But rather than focusing solely on the beloved paintings of Maynard Dixon, we celebrate the 'art spirit' and intentions of Maynard Dixon, the artist, poet, and whole person. In choosing to remember Dixon this way, we believe his legacy becomes even more meaningful when it is illuminated by the artists who are living and making art in 2012."

Ray Roberts and Peggi Kroll-Roberts painting during the event

Among the artists participating this year were guests Shaun Horne, Scott W. Prior, and Linda Tippetts. The returning artists included Christopher Blossom, Jill Carver, Len Chmiel, Glenn Dean, Carolyn Lord, Joseph Paquet, Ron Rencher, Kate Starling, Kathryn Stats, and Dan Young.

Mt. Carmel Junction by Mark Fehlman

All art sales from Maynard Dixon Country event will directly fund the artists as well as the annual operating budget of the Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts and the Maynard Dixon Living History Museum.