You may have heard it said, “Laughter is good for the soul,” which I believe is true. I want to add an element to that: So is fun art.

There is something soothing when you color or paint, especially when it’s just for fun. I think our brain needs time to unwind and relax. The colors trigger memories and moods, the movement releases the stress we hold on to. If we take the time to gather with friends and create, it’s about the experience. So have a good time. The thing with fun art is it’s not meant to be a masterpiece, it’s playful and should make you smile. Just add color, add diminish, try textures, it’s not finished until you say it is.

Not only is Union County known for its country music legends, but also for having a stretch of the famous Thunder Road. Thunder Road was definitely on Faye Hardin's mind when she created the painting that won Best Heritage in the 2022 Union County Heritage Festival Art Show. This was Faye's second year to receive the Best Heritage Award.

The Union County Heritage Festival Art Show will take place during the October 1 event at the Myers Building (formerly Byrd Funeral Home) at 502 Monroe Street in Maynardville. Parking will be available at the lot across from the art show or at the courthouse. On festival day, parking is also available at Wilson Park where visitors can ride the big yellow bus free shuttle sponsored by State Farm Insurance and Plainview City to the art show.

Union County Heritage Festival Art Show and Contest will occur on Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Snodderly House, 720 Main St., Maynardville.
Cash awards and ribbons will be given for Best Heritage, Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in two- and three-dimensional works and photography. Ribbons will be given to Honorable Mentions.

The Union County Heritage Festival Fine Arts Show has added a category for photographic entries, and the UCHF Student Art Show will accept photographs.
Participants will be able to enter an original photograph pertaining to the Union County area or best exemplifying the festival theme: ”More Fiddlin' Around."
The show is a juried mixed-media exhibition open to artists 18 years of age and above and is held at the Snodderly House on Main Street in Maynardville.

Best of Show - Debbie Toney for Good Morning Clinch Mountain

Best Union County Heritage - Carol Pratt with Molasses Making

First Place - Ruth Mihaltion for Billy Joe

Tie for 2nd Place - Shirley Keaton for Blue and Yellow and Ann GlennSherrill for Hickory Valley Farm

Tie for 3rd Place - Dianne Becker for Tribal Girl and Ann Glennsherrill for Fall In The Leaves

5 Honorable Mentions to - 1) Sherry Railey for Dog Days of Autumn 2) Ellen Perry for Zinnia Garden 3) Sloan Becker for Farm House 4) Nikki Riddle for Birds 5) Stephen Hamilton for Hidden Pond